Questioning PM&R

[PhysRehabMed]

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I am new to SDN and had a few questions, and ask your opinions on the field of pm&r. I am interested in physiatry because I like both neurology and msk and I like the focus on improving quality of life through function. However, from talking with physiatrists, many seem happy, but I also get the sense they are not confident in the difference they may make in their patient's lives on a day to day basis, or sometimes downplay their roles. They sometimes indirectly say that physiatry is not a respected field and many other medical professionals know very little about what physiatrists do. This also makes referrals difficult to get or they get referrals only after many other specialists have seen the patients.

Also, it also seems that there is a lack of evidence-based outcome research proving that what physiatrists do is both effective for restoring health/function and also cost effective. I am concerned that in the future insurance will no longer reimburse for much of physiatry unless there is some evidence-based medicine.

Can someone in the field address these issues and does anyone feel the same way? I just want to make the right decision that pm&r is right for me.

Thanks.

 

[PMmetoHelp]

Your question is well taken and you seem to come from a place of sincerity. I will however, say that this question has come up multiple times on this forum and there has been much back and fourth on this.

There has got to be a link to threads that have tackled this question previously. I will bet almost verbatim.

I am sure someone can post a link for you.

 

[drusso]

Your fears are natural. But, there is only one way to become a physiatric Jedi and that is just to do it.

"Do, or do not. There is no try." 😎

 

[PMR 4 MSK]

Other than I believe we make a huge difference in our patients lives on a day-to-day basis, I think you have a pretty good finger on the current pulse of PM&R. We are plagued by self doubt and an identity disorder. I still call PM&R "The Unkown Specialty"

 

[PhysRehabMed]

Thanks to those who have replied. Looking back through some of the threads I found some helpful information:

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=442057

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=478479

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=474621