Physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R), or physiatry, is a
branch of medicine dealing with functional restoration of a person
affected by physical disability. A physician who has completed training
in this field is referred to as a physiatrist (fizz eye' a trist). In
order to be a physiatrist in the United States, one must complete four
years of medical school, one year of internship and three years of
residency.
The major concern of the field is the ability of the
person to function optimally within the limitations placed upon them by
a disease process for which there is no known cure. The emphasis is not
on the full restoration to the premorbid level of function, but rather
the optimization of the quality of life for those who may not be able
to achieve full restoration. A team approach to chronic conditions is
emphasized, using transdisciplinary team meetings to coordinate care of
the patients.
