Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) is a medical specialty with a 4-year residency. The field has a broad scope of practice and a variety of career options. The overlying focus is on optimizing a patient’s function, instead of a specific organ system. Any disease that may cause temporary or permanent functional impairment may be addressed by physiatrists. Inherent to the focus on function, biomechanics as well as the musculoskeletal and neurological systems are prominent aspects of PM&R study. In order to reach patient's desired goals and activities, physiatrists often utilize a holistic approach that involves: a multidisciplinary team [PT, OT, Social Work, Psych, & more.], exercise, physical assistive devices, local resources, medicines, and performing minor procedures. Stroke, spine pain, movement disorders, amputation, and sports/occupational related injuries are a few of the common conditions treated. The need for physiatrists, particularly within outpatient musculoskeletal practice, is rapidly growing. Some of the many fellowships include Pediatric Rehab, Sports Medicine, Pain Medicine, Spinal Cord Injury, and Brain Injury Medicine.

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