Physiatry

Physiatry (fizz-i-a-tree) is the branch of medicine that deals with rehabilitation. The specialty is also referred to as Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, or PM&R. A physician who practices this specialty is known as a Physiatrist (fizz-i-a-trist).

Education

The education of a physiatrist includes a minimum of four years of medical school, one year of internship and three years of residency training. Their studies include internal medicine, orthopedics and neurology. Many also serve one or more fellowships in such areas of specialization as electrodiagnostics, pain management, spinal cord injury or brain injury.

After years of study and passing a rigorous certification examination, physiatrists may become board-certified by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. All of RHCI’s physiatrists have earned this certification. RHCI physiatrists have additional certifications in such areas as electrodiagnostic medicine and pain management.

Birth of PM&R

Physicians practicing PM&R first began to treat musculoskeletal and neurological problems in the 1930s. The specialty gained prominence after World War II as physiatrists helped disabled veterans return to productive lives. Today, physiatrists treat an extensive range of conditions, including arthritis, stroke, neurological diseases, musculoskeletal conditions, traumatic injuries (including brain and spinal cord injuries), pain, work and sports injuries, chronic diseases, childhood disorders, etc.

The role of the physiatrist is to help patients with disabling conditions reach their maximum level of function. The physiatrist’s approach is holistic; that is, the physician considers the physical, mental, emotional, vocational and social arenas of the patient’s life when developing a treatment plan. Physiatrists treat acute problems, such as a herniated disc, as well as chronic conditions, such as multiple sclerosis. As members of a rehabilitation team, physiatrists help restore function for patients who have had strokes or need to learn to walk again after hip or joint replacement surgery. An important part of their role is to teach patients how to prevent future injuries.