Warner Hardin, MS-IV

McGovern Medical School

July 28 – August 22: TIRR Inpatient Spinal Cord Injury (Hernandez Service)

How did you hear of/learn about PM&R?

I first heard of PM&R from Dr. William Mosi Jones, a physiatrist at Vanderbilt, through a lecture to the sports medicine interest group here at McGovern. I have always been interested in MSK pathology as well as concussion/brain injury, and I knew I was looking for a non-surgical specialty. Listening to Dr. Jones’ description of his job and ability to interact with and treat patients with these types of injuries opened my eyes to PM&R as a specialty, and my interest since that time has only grown.

What are you most looking forward to during your PM&R elective?

I’m most looking forward to two things this upcoming month. First, I’m very excited to continue my PM&R education through clinical experience and learning more about how to best care for the SCI population. Secondly, I’m looking forward to spending time with and getting to better know the incredible McGovern residents and faculty, who have been so kind and welcoming throughout my previous rotations. I’ve grown to love this specialty for many reasons, but specifically because of all the amazing people who help play a part in the rehab process. It’s a team effort, and that’s an environment I enjoy being a part of!

Is there anything, in particular, that interests you the most about PM&R?

Overall, I’m really drawn to the idea of seeing patients regain and maximize functionality in hopes of improving their quality of life. I’m not certain of one specific area in PM&R that I will enjoy the most, but I do have a strong interest in sports medicine, TBI, and SCI. Although amputee medicine has been growing on me as of late, so it’s anybody’s guess at this point in time!