Physiatrists, also known as physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) physicians, work in clinics and hospitals to treat patients that are suffering from various physical ailments or those that are recovering from surgical procedures.
Physiatrist Job Description Template
We are looking for an experienced physiatrist to join our medical team. You will work with a variety of patients and assist them in restoring optimal physical function and help them improve their quality of life. Many of your patients will be disabled due to a disease, disorder, or injury.
To be successful as a physiatrist you will need to be able to treat a wide variety of medical conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons of patients.
Physiatrist Responsibilities:
- Examining patients that need to undergo physical therapy.
- Diagnosing pain as a result of an injury, disease, or a disabling condition.
- Determining and implementing appropriate treatment plans for patients.
- Recommending and undertaking various medical procedures, such as disc decompression, prolotherapy, and vertebroplasty to treat pain and improve physical functioning.
- Leading a team of medical professionals, which may include physical therapists and occupational therapists, in order to optimize patient care.
- Monitoring ongoing progress and health of patients, and changing treatment plans, as necessary.
- Providing adaptive tools to improve the overall health and physical functioning of patients.
- Counseling patients and their families and helping them adapt to lifestyle changes.
- Providing support and advice to patients receiving long-term care.
- Conducting research on injuries, diseases, and disabling conditions in order to improve and advance treatments.
Physiatrist Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in biology, physical sciences, or a related field.
- Doctor of Medicine (MD) or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree.
- 4 to 7 years’ internship and residency training, specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation.
- Successful completion of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) or the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination of the United States (COMLEX-USA).
- Certification by The American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (ABPMR).
- Valid and active medical license in the state you wish to practice.
- Working knowledge of different types of rehabilitation treatments and programs for different disabilities.
- Exceptional attention to detail.
- Outstanding hand-eye coordination and dexterity.
- Wonderful bedside manner.
- Excellent communicator who can empathize with patients.