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

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) physicians are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of physical impairments and activity limitations caused by a variety of diseases or injuries. The primary focus of PM&R physicians is to restore optimal function and quality of life to patients with physical impairments. To do this, PM&R physicians use a combination of physical, pharmacological, and rehabilitative therapies, as well as assistive and adaptive devices.

These therapies are designed to help patients regain their physical abilities, increase their mobility, reduce pain, and improve their overall quality of life. PM&R physicians collaborate with other medical professionals such as physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists to coordinate comprehensive treatment plans for their patients. As a result of their expertise in both medicine and rehabilitation, PM&R physicians are uniquely qualified to provide comprehensive care for patients with a wide range of physical impairments.

Steps How to Become

  1. Complete an Undergraduate Degree. The first step to becoming a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physician is to complete an undergraduate degree in a related field such as biology, chemistry, or physics.
  2. Take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). The MCAT is required for admission into medical school. It tests knowledge of physical sciences, biological sciences, psychology, and sociology.
  3. Attend Medical School. Once accepted into medical school, students must complete four years of study to receive a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree. During medical school, students will receive training in the principles of physical rehabilitation and learn about anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and other topics related to the practice of medicine.
  4. Complete a Residency. After graduating from medical school, physicians must complete a residency program in physical medicine and rehabilitation. The residency program typically lasts three to four years and provides hands-on training in the diagnosis and treatment of physical disabilities.
  5. Become Certified. Physicians who wish to specialize in physical medicine and rehabilitation must pass the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Certification Examination administered by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
  6. Obtain a License. All physicians in the United States must obtain a license from the state in which they plan to practice medicine. Licensure requirements vary by state, but most require physicians to pass a written exam and demonstrate their knowledge of medical ethics and laws.
The cause of needing a reliable and competent Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physician is an injury or disability that affects an individual's physical function. This can range from a traumatic brain injury or amputation to a spinal cord injury or stroke. The effects of having an unreliable or incompetent physician can be far-reaching and damaging, causing further injury, disability, or even death. To avoid these negative outcomes, it is important to carefully research and select a qualified Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physician who has extensive experience in the field, who is knowledgeable and up-to-date on the latest treatments and technologies, and who is able to provide compassionate and personalized care.

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Job Description

  1. Develop treatment plans for patients with physical disabilities, chronic pain, and/or mobility issues.
  2. Provide physical, occupational, and speech therapy services to patients.
  3. Evaluate patient progress and modify treatment plans accordingly.
  4. Supervise a team of physical therapists, occupational therapists, and/or speech-language pathologists in providing patient care.
  5. Prescribe medications and other treatments to improve physical functioning.
  6. Educate patients and families on ways to improve and maintain health and functioning.
  7. Perform physical examinations and diagnostic tests to determine the cause of the patient’s condition.
  8. Consult with other medical professionals to plan and coordinate patient care.
  9. Order and interpret laboratory tests, imaging studies, electrodiagnostic tests, and other diagnostic tests.
  10. Manage pain through the use of various interventions, such as medications or nerve blocks.
  11. Develop therapeutic exercise programs to improve strength, coordination, and endurance.
  12. Utilize assistive devices such as wheelchairs, braces, splints, or prostheses to support patient mobility and independence.
  13. Participate in research studies to evaluate new treatments or therapies for physical disabilities.
  14. Educate medical students, residents, and other health care professionals on physical medicine and rehabilitation topics.

Skills and Competencies to Have

  1. Ability to diagnose and treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, physical, cognitive and psychosocial conditions.
  2. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, kinesiology and rehabilitation principles.
  3. Expertise in non-operative management, minimally invasive interventions and surgical management of musculoskeletal, neurological and physical disorders.
  4. Knowledge of pharmacology and the use of medications to manage musculoskeletal, neurological and physical disorders.
  5. Knowledge of physical modalities such as electrical stimulation, ultrasound, laser therapy, traction and other forms of therapeutic exercise.
  6. Ability to order and interpret diagnostic imaging such as X-rays, MRIs, CT scans and other imaging modalities as needed.
  7. Ability to provide comprehensive rehabilitation programs for patients with disabilities or chronic conditions.
  8. Knowledge of assistive devices and adaptive equipment for patients with disabilities or chronic conditions.
  9. Ability to collaborate with other healthcare professionals such as physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech language pathologists, psychologists and social workers in the development of individualized treatment plans.
  10. Ability to provide patient and family education on disease processes, treatment options, lifestyle modifications and prevention strategies.

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physicians are highly skilled medical professionals who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of physical and cognitive impairments. They use various therapeutic techniques such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and pharmacological agents to help restore function as much as possible. The most important skill for a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physician to possess is the ability to assess and evaluate an individual’s condition holistically, taking into account their physical, cognitive, and emotional limitations.

This requires a deep understanding of the underlying causes of an individual’s disability, along with a comprehensive knowledge of medical, surgical, and rehabilitative treatments. The Physician must also possess strong communication and interpersonal skills in order to effectively collaborate with the patient, their family, and other healthcare providers to create a personalized treatment plan. Furthermore, the physician must have excellent problem-solving skills so that they can quickly identify the most suitable course of action for each case.

by having these skills and attributes, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physicians can help improve the quality of life for those living with a disability.

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Frequent Interview Questions

  • What experience do you have in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation?
  • How would you describe your approach to patient care?
  • What challenges have you faced in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation?
  • Describe an example of a successful patient case you have managed.
  • What techniques do you use to motivate patients to reach their goals?
  • How do you stay up to date with the latest advances in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation?
  • What strategies do you use to ensure the best outcomes for your patients?
  • How do you collaborate with other medical professionals when managing Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation cases?
  • What is your experience in developing treatment plans for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation patients?
  • How do you handle difficult conversations and/or situations with patients?

Common Tools in Industry

  1. EMR (Electronic Medical Records). Software that records and stores patient medical information electronically. (eg: Epic)
  2. Diagnostic Imaging Equipment. Equipment used to diagnose and treat patients, such as x-ray machines, CT scanners, and MRI machines. (eg: GE Discovery XR650)
  3. Physical Therapy Equipment. Devices used to help rehabilitate patients, such as exercise balls and resistance bands. (eg: TheraBand Kinesiology Tape)
  4. Assistive Devices. Products used to help patients with mobility, such as wheelchairs and walkers. (eg: Invacare Pronto M51 Power Wheelchair)
  5. Electrotherapy Machines. Machines used to stimulate and relax muscles with electrical impulses. (eg: Medtronic Activa PC+S)
  6. Ultrasound Machines. Machines used to diagnose medical conditions with sound waves. (eg: SonoSite Edge II)
  7. Splints and Orthotics. Braces used to stabilize and support joints and limbs. (eg: Sammons Preston Ankle Foot Orthosis)
  8. Diagnostic Tests. Tests used to diagnose medical conditions, such as lab tests and imaging studies. (eg: Complete Blood Count)

Professional Organizations to Know

  1. American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R)
  2. Association of Academic Physiatrists (AAP)
  3. American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (ABPMR)
  4. International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (ISPRM)
  5. National Rehabilitation Association (NRA)
  6. World Confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT)
  7. American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA)
  8. Association of Academic Physiatrists Research Society (AAPRS)
  9. Academy of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals (ASCIP)
  10. International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapists (IFOMPT)

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Common Important Terms

  1. Physical Therapy. A type of treatment that uses physical exercises, stretches and massage to help the patient recover from an injury or illness.
  2. Rehabilitation. A process of helping a person regain physical, mental and social functioning after an illness or injury.
  3. Occupational Therapy. A type of therapy that helps patients to improve their functional skills, such as self-care, communication and daily living activities.
  4. Orthotics. Devices used to correct and support weakened muscles, joints and bones.
  5. Prosthetics. Artificial limbs and other body parts used to replace missing or damaged body parts.
  6. Pain Management. Techniques used to alleviate pain associated with an injury or illness.
  7. Neurology. A specialty focused on treating disorders of the nervous system.
  8. Neuromuscular Disorders. Conditions that affect the muscles and nerves in the body.
  9. Musculoskeletal Disorders. Diseases and conditions that affect the bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other supporting structures of the body.
  10. Orthopedics. A specialty focused on diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of musculoskeletal conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R)?

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) is a medical specialty focused on restoring optimal function to individuals with physical impairments or disabilities. It involves a combination of physical, psychological, and medical therapies to help improve function, reduce pain, and restore quality of life.

What types of conditions does a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physician treat?

A PM&R Physician treats a variety of conditions including musculoskeletal issues, spinal cord and brain injuries, strokes, arthritis, chronic pain, and sports and work-related injuries.

What treatments are used by a PM&R Physician?

PM&R Physicians use a variety of treatments including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, medications, braces, prosthetics, and assistive devices to help improve function and reduce pain.

How many years of education is required to become a PM&R Physician?

Becoming a PM&R Physician requires 11-13 years of education and training. This includes 4 years of medical school, followed by a 1-3 year residency in PM&R and potentially a fellowship in a specific area of practice.

What types of organizations do PM&R Physicians work for?

PM&R Physicians typically work for hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, clinics, or private practices. Some also work in sports medicine or research facilities.

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