Mississippi Approved New Physical Medicine Residency
The state program aims to increase specialized rehabilitation care access for residents recovering from strokes.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Stroke
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The University of Mississippi Medical Center established a new residency program for physical medicine and rehabilitation. Approved on September 1, 2026, the program aims to bolster medical staffing and improve patient recovery options across the state.
Why it matters
Mississippi faces a significant burden from stroke, which claims roughly 1,500 lives in the state annually. This residency aims to expand the local workforce capable of providing specialized rehabilitation to patients managing mobility impairments.
The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education approved the new program to host up to 16 residents. The program is designed to address a critical local need for rehab specialists following the 2022 state mortality data.
The players
University of Mississippi Medical Center
The state academic health system that serves as the central hub for medical education and clinical research in Mississippi.
Methodist Rehabilitation
A healthcare facility specializing in intensive physical rehabilitation and a designated primary training site for the new residency.
Dr. Jennifer Hankenson
A physician leader who spearheaded the initiative to secure accreditation for the physical medicine and rehabilitation program.
Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education
The national body that evaluates and approves physician training programs to ensure they meet professional educational standards.
The details
The program, sponsored by the Department of Neurosurgery, integrates training across neurology, orthopedic surgery, internal medicine, and rheumatology to ensure comprehensive care. Residents will gain clinical experience at Methodist Rehabilitation to support patients with complex mobility needs. This cross-departmental structure is intended to improve long-term functional outcomes for patients.
Timeline
Efforts to establish the program began in 2018.
Mississippi recorded a stroke death rate of 54.2 per 100,000 in 2022.
Dr. Jennifer Hankenson led a renewed effort for the program in 2025.
Accreditation approval was granted on September 1, 2026.
Health Landscape
The launch of this residency follows the standards set by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. It marks a shift toward building state-specific infrastructure to combat chronic health disparities like stroke-related disability.
If you or a loved one are recovering from a stroke, specialized rehabilitation is essential for regaining mobility and function. Discuss with your primary physician how long-term care plans might integrate physical medicine specialists as this new workforce enters the local health system.
The takeaway
Access to specialized physical medicine can significantly improve recovery trajectories for patients with mobility limitations. Patients in Mississippi should track their rehabilitation progress and consult with their neurologist about the benefits of a physiatrist-led recovery team.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest recovery protocols and support systems in our Stroke section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by RedHillsMSNews.
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