How to Be Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine Physician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jan 18, 2021 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine is a specialized medical field that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of physical, mental, and developmental disabilities in children. Pediatric rehabilitation physicians use a variety of treatments and therapies to help young patients manage and improve their conditions. These treatments can include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and/or psychotherapy.

In addition, pediatric rehabilitation physicians also help patients learn to use assistive devices and adaptive equipment to help them better navigate their environment. As a result of these interventions, children can often improve their physical functioning, develop better social skills, and achieve a higher quality of life.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. The first step to becoming a Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine Physician is to earn a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as biology, psychology, or pre-med.
Complete Medical School. The next step is to complete medical school and earn a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree.
Pass the USMLE Exam. After medical school, you must pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) in order to become a licensed physician.
Complete an Internship & Residency. After passing the USMLE, you must complete an internship and residency in pediatric rehabilitation medicine. This typically takes three to four years.
Obtain Board Certification. After completing your residency, you must obtain board certification from the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
Obtain Licensure. Finally, you must obtain licensure from your state licensing board in order to practice as a pediatric rehabilitation medicine physician.

In order to become a skilled and capable pediatric rehabilitation medicine physician, one must possess a variety of skills and traits. These include having a strong knowledge of medical science, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, empathy and compassion for patients, the ability to listen carefully, and a commitment to staying up to date on the latest advances in the field. In addition, a successful pediatric rehabilitation medicine physician must also have a knack for problem-solving and an understanding of the various forms of therapy and treatments available for pediatric patients. With these skills and traits in place, pediatric rehabilitation medicine physicians are able to provide the best possible care for their young patients and help them to achieve the best possible outcomes.

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Job Description

Assess and diagnose pediatric rehabilitation patients
Develop treatment plans for patients based on clinical findings
Administer physical, occupational, and speech therapies
Instruct and educate patients families and caregivers
Monitor patient progress and modify treatments accordingly
Collaborate with other health care professionals to manage patient care
Conduct research related to pediatric rehabilitation
Prepare and deliver presentations at conferences and meetings
Stay up to date with the latest developments in pediatric rehabilitation medicine
Participate in committees and reviews regarding patient care

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of the normal physical, cognitive, and psychological development of children
Ability to evaluate and diagnose physical, cognitive, and psychological impairments in children
Knowledge of intervention techniques to manage physical, cognitive, and psychological impairments in children
Ability to develop individualized treatment plans for children with physical, cognitive, and psychological impairments
Knowledge of medications and their effects on children with physical, cognitive, and psychological impairments
Ability to communicate effectively with families, teachers, and other health professionals
Ability to provide education and counseling to parents and families of children with physical, cognitive, and psychological impairments
Ability to coordinate multidisciplinary team approaches to care for children with physical, cognitive, and psychological impairments
Knowledge of assistive technology for children with physical, cognitive, and psychological impairments
Knowledge of community resources available to children with physical, cognitive, and psychological impairments

Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine is a specialty of medicine that focuses on treating and managing physical, cognitive, and behavioral impairments in children. A physician specializing in pediatric rehabilitation must possess many skills and qualities, such as being able to assess a patients condition, create care plans, communicate effectively with patients, and provide instruction and support. In order to effectively treat a childs medical condition, a pediatric rehabilitation physician must be able to diagnose the patient, assess their needs and develop an individualized plan of care.

They must have knowledge of the different therapies available to treat and manage the patients condition, be able to work with other healthcare professionals, and be able to educate the patient and their family about the patients condition. the ability to be compassionate and non-judgmental is essential in order to build trust and provide the best possible care for a childs medical condition.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What inspired you to pursue a career in pediatric rehabilitation medicine?
How do you make sure that your patients feel comfortable and secure during their rehabilitation process?
Explain the importance of communication between patient, family and other healthcare professionals in your role as a pediatric rehabilitation medicine physician.
What do you think is the most important factor in helping children reach their rehabilitation goals?
Describe a difficult pediatric case that you have worked on, and how you overcame the challenges presented.
What strategies do you use to motivate your patients and keep them engaged in their therapy?
How have you incorporated technology in your practice to improve patient care?
What kind of continuing education do you pursue to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in pediatric rehabilitation medicine?
How do you collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure the best possible outcomes for your patients?
What have been some of your most rewarding experiences as a pediatric rehabilitation medicine physician?

Common Tools in Industry

Electronic Medical Records (EMR). Software used to store and access patient information such as medical histories, treatments, and diagnoses. (e. g. Epic, Cerner)
Mobility Aids. Assists individuals with limited mobility with activities such as standing, walking, and transferring from one surface to another. (e. g. wheelchairs, walkers, canes)
Rehabilitation Exercises. Specialized physical exercises used to improve strength, coordination, and range of motion for patients with physical disabilities. (e. g. stretching, balancing, weight bearing)
Assessment Tools. Methods used to evaluate and measure the progress of a patient's physical, mental, and emotional health. (e. g. standardized tests, surveys, questionnaires)
Treatment Modalities. Techniques used to assist patients in meeting their rehabilitation goals such as electrical stimulation, ultrasound, and massage. (e. g. TENS unit, ultrasound therapy, massage therapy)
Adaptive Equipment. Tools used to provide additional support and safe functioning for patients with physical limitations. (e. g. special seating, adaptive utensils, orthotics)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics
American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine
American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
American Physical Therapy Association
World Federation of Neurorehabilitation
International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine
American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine
International Pediatric Rehabilitation Network
Association of Academic Physiatrists
Association of Children's Prosthetic-Orthotic Clinics

We also have Early Intervention Specialists, Clinical Research Associate in Pediatrics and Child Development, and Child Life Specialist jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Physical Therapy. Physical therapy is a medical practice that uses physical methods, such as exercise, massage, and manipulation, to help patients manage pain and improve their mobility and quality of life.
Occupational Therapy. Occupational therapy is a form of therapy focused on helping people with physical, mental, or developmental disabilities gain independence, self-care and daily function.
Therapeutic Exercise. Therapeutic exercise is an activity prescribed by a healthcare professional to help patients manage pain, improve mobility, and restore overall function.
Assistive Technology. Assistive technology is any device or piece of equipment that helps people with disabilities accomplish tasks or activities they wouldnt be able to do without it.
Orthotics. Orthotics are custom-made medical devices designed to support, align, prevent, or correct deformities or improve function of the body.
Adaptive Sports. Adaptive sports are recreational and competitive activities modified for people with physical impairments or disabilities.
Pediatric Rehabilitation. Pediatric rehabilitation is a specialized field of medicine that focuses on rehabilitation for children with developmental delays or physical disabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine Physician do?

Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine Physicians specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of physical, cognitive, and developmental impairments in infants, children, and adolescents. They use therapeutic techniques, medical interventions, and specialized equipment to improve a child's mobility, self-care skills, communication, and quality of life.

What are some conditions that a Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine Physician treats?

Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine Physicians treat a wide range of conditions affecting children, including cerebral palsy, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, developmental delays, and genetic disorders.

What types of medical interventions do Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine Physicians use?

Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine Physicians may use a variety of medical interventions to treat children's conditions, including physical and occupational therapy, braces and orthotics, medications, assistive technology, and surgical procedures.

How long does it take to become a Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine Physician?

Becoming a Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine Physician typically takes 8-10 years of post-secondary education and training. This includes 4 years of medical school, a 3-year residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation or pediatrics, and a 1-year fellowship in pediatric rehabilitation medicine.

What is the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation?

The American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (ABPMR) is a non-profit organization that provides certification in physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) to physicians who have completed approved training and demonstrated expertise in the specialty. It is the only organization recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties to certify PM&R physicians.