Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Overview

Physical medicine and rehabilitation, also referred to as rehabilitation medicine, is the medical specialty concerned with evaluating, diagnosing, and treating patients with physical disabilities. These disabilities may arise from conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system such as neck and back pain, sports injuries, or other painful conditions affecting the limbs like carpal tunnel syndrome. Alternatively, the disabilities may result from neurological trauma or disease such as spinal cord or head injury or stroke. A physician certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation is often called a physiatrist. The primary goals of physicians in physical medicine and rehabilitation are to achieve maximum restoration of physical, psychological, social, and vocational function through comprehensive rehabilitation as well as effective pain management.¹

¹ The American Board of Medical Specialties. Guide to Physician Specialties. Evanston, IL: American Board of Medical Specialties; February 2008.

Association of Academic Physiatrists (AAP) PM&R Career Advising

Have questions about PM&R residencies, career options or just about Physiatry in general? AAP advisors are available and glad to provide program-neutral assistance. Find more information here.

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Faculty Advisors

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Interest Group 2021-2022

President: Andrew Vassantachart

Co-Vice President: Randy Sanchez Sanchez 

Treasurer: Sten Anderson

Outreach Coordinator: Andrew Ajoku

Education/Mentorship Coordinator: Michelle McSkane

Research Liason: Aimee Wilson

MS4 Rep: Open 

MS3 Rep: Amara Hendricks

MS2 Rep: Emilia Ramirez

MS1 Rep: Kwane Amponsah

Download the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Interest Group Constitution