Medical Specialist: Physical M...

Medical Specialist: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physiatry

Pronunciation:

Physiatrist (fizz eye' uh tree)

The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) recognizes 24 medical specialties for which physicians can receive Board Certification. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation is also known as Physiatry or PM&R. These specialists promote the restoration of function for people with neurological and musculoskeletal disabilities. PM&R specialists complete four years of additional training after medical school in a special residency-training program. There are 80 accredited Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation residency programs in the U.S. Some physiatrists pursue further specialization and training in pediatrics, traumatic brain injury and spinal-cord injury.

The specialty of PM&R evolved in response to the needs of disabled veterans returning from World War II. Musculoskeletal injuries are common in the U.S. and it is estimated that over 35 million occur annually. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialists are skilled in treating:

Associated Diseases

• Back pain
• Occupational-injury rehabilitation
• Stroke rehabilitation
• Traumatic brain-injury rehabilitation
• Spinal-cord injury rehabilitation
• Amputation rehabilitation
• Chronic pain
• Sports injuries
• Overuse syndromes
• Catastrophic injuries and illnesses
• Burn- injury rehabilitation

Reference:

American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2008.