Dear Physiatry Residency Applicant,

Thank you for your interest in our residency program! Our faculty are committed to training the next generation of successful physiatrists in an environment that supports their growth and equips them with the tools to provide excellent care to patients for years to come. Our graduates leave residency training well prepared for the next chapter in their careers, whether continuing in fellowship training, inpatient or outpatient practice, in a range of settings ranging from academic to private practice.

Mary Free Bed has humble beginnings. In 1891, a small group of Grand Rapids women recognized the need for medical care for financially disadvantaged people in the community. They created a fundraising campaign to pay for a free bed in the local hospital, asking for financial support from everyone named Mary, as well as those with friends or relatives with the name. It was a popular name at the time and gave way to funding a single bed, known as the Mary Free Bed. From treating children with polio to navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mary Free Bed has risen over the years to address the needs of its community and beyond. We’re now part of more than 35 hospitals across Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, North Carolina, and Georgia. Our hospital continues to be governed by the Mary Free Bed Guild, a group of trailblazing women still going strong after 130+ years.

We think that Grand Rapids is both a great place to train and live. It’s been ranked in WalletHub’s Top 100 Places to Start a Career. It has an affordable cost of living, with both small-town sensibility and a big city feel. You’ll enjoy many entertainment options, including concerts, theatrical performances, sporting events, high-quality dining and nightlife, golf, camping and skiing. And it’s all a short drive to the beautiful beaches of Lake Michigan!

We feel strongly that our residents are our greatest asset. They come to our hospital with diverse backgrounds, bringing a dedication for learning and a passion for providing excellent patient care. They instill an invigorating energy throughout our hospital, inspiring both patients and staff to reach higher. You’ll get a glimpse of the amazing work they do as you get to know our program throughout the interview process.

As you weigh your training options and move through the application process, we hope you’ll strongly consider joining the Mary Free Bed family. If you have any questions about our program, please contact program coordinator Sarah Thompson by emailing her at sarah.thompson@maryfreebed.com.

You’ve made it this far, mastered boards and performed well on your clerkships. You’re entering (in our humble opinion) the greatest specialty in all of medicine. Enjoy the journey!

Warmly,

Dr. Adam Lamm, M.D., M.A.
Program Director

Dr. Bridget Rizik, M.D.
Associate Program Director