Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, otherwise known as Physiatry, is a unique medical specialty founded in the 1930s to treat neurological and musculoskeletal conditions. The treatment of World War II veterans served as an important milestone and era of growth for PM&R. Recognized as a specialty of medicine in 1947; PM&R has since gained momentum and is rapidly becoming one of the most desired fields of practice in medicine today!
Rehabilitation physicians are experts in bone, nerve and muscle anatomy as well as having a strong foundation in medicine. Physiatrists create a comprehensive treatment plan centered around the patient’s functional status, medical history, social and physical needs in order to improve their quality of life and restore function. In order to optimize care, PM&R physicians utilize a multidisciplinary approach; often serving as team leaders. They coordinate treatment plans with various medical specialties such as such as neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, neurologists and urologists as well as communicate goals and patient progress with specialized therapists in physical, occupational, speech and neuro-psychology. Rehabilitation medicine requires a vast knowledge and expertise in many aspects of medicine in order to offer a more complete treatment plan.
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