Physiatrist
Physiatry is another name for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) - a medical specialty that deals with the evaluation and treatment of patients with a disease, disorder, or injury that impairs normal function.
The physician who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation is called a physiatrist.
Physiatrists complete four years of medical school, plus an additional four years of residency training. Many physiatrists complete fellowship training in a specialty area. Afterwards, physicians are eligible to take the tests (oral and written) of the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (ABPM&R) to become a board-certified physiatrist.
What do physiatrists do?
Physiatrists provide many medical services, but they do not perform surgery. Physiatrists treat various disorders, including:
- Musculoskeletal (muscles and bones)
- Cardiovascular (heart and blood vessels)
- Pulmonary (lungs and breathing), and
- Neurological (nervous system), including such conditions as
- Arthritis
- Back pain
- Work- and sports-related injuries, and
- Brain or spinal cord injuries
Where do physiatrists practice?
Physiatrists may practice in a variety of settings, including the following:
- Hospitals
- Inpatient rehabilitation centers
- Outpatient rehabilitation centers
- Private practice
Physiatry provides for multidisciplinary care aimed at the recovery of the whole person by addressing his/hers physical, emotional, vocational, and social needs.
