What Is a Career in Physiatry Like?
Required Skills for a Physiatrist
Physiatrists fill a vital role in the health care system. With so many specialists, having a medical professional at the center of the rehabilitation process is important. Physiatrists understand a wide variety of disciplines and can thus see the whole picture.
To pursue this career, candidates should possess a combination of skills to accurately and successfully assess and treat their patients. Here are just a few characteristics that help individuals succeed in physiatry.
How Can a Physiatrist
Help Patients?
Recovery from an injury or disease can be complex. From surgical specialists to physical therapists, rehabilitation often involves many health care professionals collaborating to ensure patients get the necessary help. In cases where a patient has multiple healthcare providers, physiatrists sometimes utilize a care coordination program to ensure that all healthcare providers are working together to provide timely, effective, and efficient care which can help prevent readmissions and improve patient outcomes.
Physiatrists play a unique role in patient care by working closely with a patient's care team to direct treatment efforts. Depending on their specialty, physiatrists can also perform specialized diagnostic tests or treatments requiring advanced training, such as electromyography (EMG) or trigger point injections.
Physiatrists also work to prevent disability and improve the overall health and well-being of patients.
Work Environment of a Physiatrist
Physiatry is a uniquely diverse field — and those pursuing this profession often have a choice between varied work environments. Many physiatrists end up working in a variety of practice settings throughout their career.
Whether as a primary physician or a consultant, physiatry offers both full-time and part-time work. Graduates can also choose between a mix of practice settings depending on their ideal physiatry model — something you may want to consider throughout your residency.
Some of the most common physiatry work environments include:
- Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs).
- Inpatient rehab facilities (IRFs).
- Private practices.
- Community health centers.
- Government hospitals.
- Spine clinics.
- Non-profit organizations.
- Pharmaceutical companies.
- Academic settings and research opportunities.
Physiatrist Job Responsibilities
Physiatrists work closely with patients to optimize their quality of life despite the constraints of their condition. The overall goal of PM&R is to help patients achieve greater mobility and increase their adaptive functioning.
Physiatrists perform an array of tasks and diagnostic tests to help their patients. These responsibilities include:
- Examining patients: Physical and neurological examinations and diagnostic tests allow physiatrists to pinpoint conditions and offer the best treatment options.
- Formal diagnosis: Once test results are in, physiatrists analyze their patient's symptoms and explain the diagnosis in an easily digestible way.
- Prescribing treatments or therapies: Physiatrists are well-versed in various treatment options, making recommendations and adjusting these as needed.
- Instructing therapy efforts: Physiatrists lead physical therapists and other medical specialists in the patient's best interests.
- Pain management: Appropriate pain management strategies assist the overall recovery process and ensure patients remain as comfortable as possible.
- Coordinating multidisciplinary team: Physiatrists work with many medical professionals, from nurses and occupational therapists to surgical staff and psychiatrists. They take the lead and ensure all treatment efforts remain cohesive.
Physiatrist Networking and Career Resources
As with any medical specialty, the earlier you begin your pursuit of physiatry, the better. This will give you time to network, talk to attendings and recent graduates and consider your personal goals and family obligations.
Networking is an essential aspect of a career in physiatry. This includes attending PM&R conferences or other sub-specialty-specific conferences where you can connect with others in this field. Be sure to have an updated CV and business cards. Even if you do not receive a job interview, the connections you make are invaluable.
Organizations like Medrina, the nation's largest physiatry group, can support your ambitions and connect you to exciting career possibilities.
Here are some PM&R job resources to help you in your search:
Help More Patients — Contact Medrina Today
Whether you're in the process of graduating or looking to change career paths, learn more about the growing field of physiatry from a national leader — Medrina. Connect with us today!
