What do Physiatrists actually do? How are they different from neurologists, orthopedists, etc.

[license43]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hi all... before answering please know that I did shadow a Physiatrist and I done a lot of research on what physiatrists do.

But I want opinions from medical students, physicians, and other health care professionals on what Physiatrists do.
Its my understanding the Physiatrist focuses on nonsurgical neuromuscular and skeletal disorders that cause disability, limit independence, and negatively impact a person's life. A Physiatrist 'adds life to years' not just 'years to life.' They also work in a very multidisciplinary field that relies upon frequent interactions with PTs, Pas, RNs, NPs, etc, and of course with the patient.
Physiatrists also focus more holistically on how said 'dysfunction' affects all attributes of the biopsychosocial history of the person.

I know they perform nonsurgical tasks like orthopedists.. But how are they exactly different from the nonsurgical work of an orthopedist and the practice of neurology?

Thanks.

 

[lyana]

Physiatrists are awesome.
Our neurosurgeons work really closely with physiatrists, and they are our "to go" docs! We call them conservative spine specialists. One physiatrist I know, only uses OMT as his treatment. The others do things like EMG, ESI, ablations, kyphoplasty, etc. It can be a very procedure heavy specialty and is definitely very stable plus great compensation. Plus I heard the lifestyle is great!

 

[lyana]

There is also a whole PM&R section in residency forum, where you can find helpful info.

 

[license43]

There is also a whole PM&R section in residency forum, where you can find helpful info.

thanks bud. will look into it.

 

[j4pac]

Physiatry's focus is on improving function and quality of life of its patients. It's not just neuromuscular disease, even though that is a big part of it. It also consists of cardiopulmonary rehab and cancer rehab. It's a great field and the most DO friendly, for obviously reasons.

 

[QueenJames]

This will be a stupid question but are physiatrists usually employed by hospitals? I guess what I am asking is are they usually doing inpatient? OR is it more focused to outpatient services? I will be shadowing a physiatrist soon for kicks.

Btw. @j4pac I have been following your journey and outlook on a lot of things med school related and want to say thanks for all the info! Congrats on all of your success!

 

[j4pac]

This will be a stupid question but are physiatrists usually employed by hospitals? I guess what I am asking is are they usually doing inpatient? OR is it more focused to outpatient services? I will be shadowing a physiatrist soon for kicks.

Btw. @j4pac I have been following your journey and outlook on a lot of things med school related and want to say thanks for all the info! Congrats on all of your success!

You're welcome. Happy to help.

Outpatient MSK is more en vogue right now. Subacute rehab facilities are building steam. Inpatient is still a need and who knows if the pendulum will swing back to inpatient being the more popular option. There are Physiatrists hired by hospitals, either to do consults or at the larger facilities to do inpatient rehab. Some inpatient rehab is more academic than others.

What I love about the specialty is that if you enjoy MSK and care as much about quality of life as duration of life...PM&R will have something for you. You can set up a very solid MSK practice without Sports Med...which is a fellowship that has become competitive.

 

[cabinbuilder]

I tend to look at PM&R as the docs who oversee the physical therapy department. They do a lot of stroke rehab and CHI rehab, etc. and formulate the treatment plans that are very specific and work closely with the PT's regarding specific exercises, etc. for the patient's to maximize their return of function.