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

May 29, 2021 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Rehabilitation Medicine Physician is a medical specialist who is trained to help people suffering from physical, mental, and/or cognitive impairments. Through specialized knowledge and skills, they assess, diagnose, and treat a wide array of physical, mental, and/or cognitive impairments and disabilities. These physicians use evidence-based treatments along with clinical experience to evaluate a patients current level of functioning and develop an individualized treatment plan.

The treatment plan combines physical and behavioral therapies that are designed to improve the patients physical, psychological, and social functioning in order to help them reach their goals. By providing the necessary resources and support, Rehabilitation Medicine Physicians help patients achieve the highest level of independence and quality of life possible. This cause-and-effect approach to rehabilitation enables physicians to treat the whole person, not just the injury or illness, to maximize the potential for successful recovery.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. The first step in becoming a rehabilitation medicine physician is to obtain a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. A degree in a science-related field is preferred, such as biology, chemistry, or physics.
Take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). After obtaining a bachelor's degree, you will need to take and pass the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). This is a standard test used to assess your eligibility for medical school.
Earn a Medical Degree. After passing the MCAT, you will need to enroll in and complete a four-year medical school program. During this program, you will complete courses in anatomy, pharmacology, pathology, and other topics related to medicine.
Complete an Internship. After graduating from medical school, you must complete an internship in order to gain hands-on experience in a hospital or clinic setting. During this internship, you may be exposed to different medical specialties, including rehabilitation medicine.
Obtain a Medical License. Once you have completed your internship and studies, you must take and pass a licensing exam in order to practice medicine in the United States.
Obtain Specialized Training in Rehabilitation Medicine. After obtaining your license, you must obtain specialized training in rehabilitation medicine by completing a residency program in physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R). During this program, you will complete rotations in neurology, orthopedics, psychiatry, and other specialties related to rehabilitation medicine.
Become Board Certified. After completing your residency program, you must become board certified by passing the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (ABPMR) exam. This is a specialized test that demonstrates your knowledge and expertise in the field of rehabilitation medicine.
Maintain Your Certification. To remain certified as a rehabilitation medicine physician, you must participate in continuing medical education (CME) courses and keep up with the latest advancements in the field.

Rehabilitation Medicine Physicians (RMPs) must continually stay ahead and qualified in order to provide the highest quality of care to their patients. To do this, RMPs must stay up-to-date on the latest advances in their field, attend continuing medical education courses, and participate in research studies. they must remain aware of new regulations and guidelines from accrediting bodies, such as the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and remain current on insurance reimbursement guidelines.

Finally, RMPs should strive for board certification in their specialty and maintain certification by taking a recertification exam every 10 years. By staying current on the latest advancements in rehabilitation medicine and adhering to professional standards, RMPs can ensure that they remain qualified to provide quality care for their patients.

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Job Description

Provide comprehensive medical care to individuals with chronic and acute medical conditions related to physical and developmental disabilities.
Diagnose and evaluate impairments and functional limitations related to physical, cognitive, psychosocial, and environmental conditions.
Develop individualized treatment plans to restore physical functioning, maximize functional capacity, and promote health and wellness.
Provide education to patients and families about the diagnosis and treatment of physical disabilities.
Prescribe medications, assistive devices, exercise programs, and other rehabilitative measures.
Monitor patient progress and modify treatments as needed.
Refer patients to specialists as needed.
Coordinate care with other healthcare providers involved in the patient's care.
Prepare medical reports and other documentation related to patient care.
Participate in research studies related to rehabilitation medicine.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathology as it relates to rehabilitation medicine
Understanding of medical diagnosis, treatment and management strategies associated with physical disabilities and chronic conditions
Ability to develop and implement plans for patient care and rehabilitation
Skill in observing, evaluating, and diagnosing physical disability, functional limitation, and pain
Ability to interpret medical imaging studies (x-rays, CT scans, MRI, etc. )
Knowledge of medications and their effects on physical function and mobility
Proficiency in the use of assistive devices, orthotics, and prosthetics
Understanding of the legal, ethical and social implications of disability
Knowledge of the principles of evidence-based medicine and epidemiology
Understanding of the psychosocial issues associated with disability
Proficiency in written and verbal communication with patients and families
Proficiency in the use of computers for data collection, analysis, and reporting
Ability to work well with interdisciplinary teams and collaborate with other healthcare professionals

Rehabilitation Medicine is an important branch of medicine that deals with restoring health and function to those who have lost it due to injury, illness, or other medical problems. It is a multidisciplinary field that utilizes a wide range of professionals, such as occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, and physicians. To be a successful Rehabilitation Medicine Physician, one must possess a wide range of skills, including excellent communication and interpersonal skills, strong clinical judgment and diagnostic acumen, and a thorough knowledge of the rehabilitation process.

Communication skills are vital in the rehabilitation setting, as they allow the physician to effectively collaborate with other professionals on the team and build relationships with patients. Clinical judgment and diagnostic acumen are essential for making accurate diagnoses and designing effective treatment plans. Lastly, knowledge of the rehabilitation process is important for providing effective care and achieving successful outcomes.

By having these skills, a Rehabilitation Medicine Physician can help restore health and function to their patients.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in rehabilitation medicine?
What do you think is the most important aspect of rehabilitation medicine?
How do you stay up to date on the latest advances in rehabilitation medicine?
What techniques do you use to build successful relationships with patients and their families?
How do you assess the progress of a patient's rehabilitation?
How do you incorporate the latest technology into your practice?
What strategies do you employ to ensure a safe and effective recovery for patients?
What are your thoughts on the importance of preventive care in rehabilitation medicine?
What methods do you use to develop personalized treatment plans for each patient?
How do you foster positive communication and collaboration with other medical professionals on the team?

Common Tools in Industry

Electronic Medical Records (EMR). A digital system for storing and managing patient medical information. (e. g. Epic, Cerner, AllScripts)
Diagnostic Imaging. Equipment used to capture images of the body for diagnostic purposes. (e. g. X-ray, CT scan, MRI)
Physical Therapy Software. Software used to track and manage physical therapy patients and their progress. (e. g. WebPT, ClinicSource)
Telehealth Platforms. Technology that allows for remote patient visits and consultations. (e. g. Doxy. me, eVisit)
Exercise Tracking Apps. Apps used to monitor patient progress in physical activity and exercise. (e. g. Fitbit, Strava)
Mobility Aids. Devices used to assist with mobility issues, including wheelchairs and walkers. (e. g. Invacare, Drive Medical)
Rehabilitation Games. Digital tools used to enhance rehabilitation therapy through interactive gaming experiences. (e. g. Nintendo Wii, PlayStation Move)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R)
Association of Academic Physiatrists (AAP)
European Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (ESPRM)
International Spinal Cord Society (ISCoS)
World Confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT)
American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (ABPMR)
American Society of Neurorehabilitation (ASNR)
International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP)
American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine (ACRM)
International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (ISPRM)

Common Important Terms

Physical Therapy. A type of therapy that uses physical methods such as exercise and massage to help improve physical function and overall health.
Occupational Therapy. A type of therapy that helps people learn or regain skills needed for everyday life.
Prosthetics. A medical device that replaces a body part that is missing or non-functioning.
Orthotics. A device used to support, align, or correct the position of a body part.
Assistive Technology. Tools and devices used to enhance a persons ability to be independent and perform everyday tasks.
Vocational Rehabilitation. A program that helps an injured or disabled person to return to work or find a job.
Psychosocial Rehabilitation. A process that helps an individual with mental illness or addiction to regain their ability to live, work, and interact with others in a meaningful way.
Adaptive Equipment. Special equipment designed to help people with disabilities perform certain tasks.
Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE). An assessment which measures a persons strength, endurance, flexibility, and range of motion in order to determine their ability to perform certain tasks.
Pain Management. A range of treatments used to manage pain and improve quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is a Rehabilitation Medicine Physician? A1: A Rehabilitation Medicine Physician is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment and management of physical impairments due to injury, illness or disability. Q2: What types of conditions do Rehabilitation Medicine Physicians treat? A2: Rehabilitation Medicine Physicians treat a wide variety of conditions, including musculoskeletal injuries, neurological disorders, balance disorders, orthopedic injuries, and post-operative rehabilitation. Q3: How long does a typical rehabilitation program last? A3: The duration of a rehabilitation program can vary depending on the condition and the individual's progress. Generally, programs last between 4-6 weeks. Q4: What treatments do Rehabilitation Medicine Physicians provide? A4: Rehabilitation Medicine Physicians provide a variety of treatments, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and recreational therapy. They may also use specialized techniques such as electrical stimulation, ultrasound, laser therapy, and more. Q5: How do I find a Rehabilitation Medicine Physician? A5: You can find a Rehabilitation Medicine Physician by searching online directories or talking to your primary care provider for a referral.