Physiatrist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the rapidly advancing healthcare sector, the significance of physiatrists has never been more pronounced.

As healthcare develops, the demand for skilled professionals who can rehabilitate, manage, and improve the functional abilities of patients is on the rise.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a physiatrist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to grasp the comprehensive nature of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the ideal candidate,
• Or simply interested in the behind-the-scenes of physiatry,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable physiatrist job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Physiatrist Duties and Responsibilities

Physiatrists, also known as Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation physicians, specialize in treating patients with physical disabilities and impairments.

They play a crucial role in developing comprehensive treatment plans to help patients regain or improve their physical abilities.

Physiatrists often have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Evaluate patients’ physical and functional abilities
• Diagnose and treat illnesses or injuries that affect physical functioning
• Develop individualized treatment plans involving physical therapy, medications, assistive devices, or therapeutic exercises
• Coordinate with other healthcare professionals such as physical therapists, occupational therapists, and neurologists to provide multidisciplinary care
• Monitor patients’ progress and adjust treatment plans as necessary
• Provide guidance and counseling to patients and their families regarding disability management and prevention
• Order and interpret diagnostic tests like X-rays, MRIs, and electromyography
• Perform procedures like spinal injections and nerve conduction studies
• Document patient’s medical history, treatment plans, and progress notes

 

Physiatrist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are searching for a skilled, patient-focused Physiatrist to join our healthcare team.

The Physiatrist will be responsible for assessing, diagnosing, and treating patients with physical and/or cognitive impairments and disabilities.

Physiatrist responsibilities include the management of patient rehabilitation, creating customized treatment plans, conducting physical exams, and monitoring patient progress.

Our ideal candidates are well-versed in the latest rehabilitation techniques and have a compassionate approach towards patients.

Ultimately, the role of the Physiatrist is to improve the functional abilities and quality of life of patients with physical impairments or disabilities.

 

Responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive physical examinations of patients
• Develop and implement patient management policies and procedures
• Coordinate with other healthcare professionals for patient care
• Diagnose and manage acute and chronic conditions
• Conduct therapy sessions and prescribe treatments
• Monitor patient progress and adjust treatment plans accordingly
• Document and maintain patient medical records
• Participate in professional development activities and maintain current knowledge of treatment practices

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Physiatrist
• Board certification in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
• Active state medical license
• Excellent knowledge of therapeutic rehabilitation
• Ability to build rapport with patients and their families
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills
• Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Physiatrist
• Work Environment: Hospital or clinic setting. May be required to visit patients at their homes.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of the Rehabilitation Department.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $204,950 minimum to $278,810 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Physiatrist Do?

Physiatrists, also known as Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) physicians, are medical professionals who specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the body’s musculoskeletal system, including muscles, bones, ligaments, tendons, and nerves.

They work with patients who have suffered from debilitating conditions such as stroke, spinal cord injuries, amputations, sports injuries, and more.

Their goal is to enhance and restore functional ability and quality of life to those with physical impairments or disabilities.

Physiatrists spend considerable time assessing patients’ physical and cognitive abilities, often coordinating with other health care professionals like physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists.

They design comprehensive, patient-centered treatment plans, and assist in the execution and management of these plans.

They often perform procedures such as nerve conduction studies, electromyography, and injections for pain management.

In addition, they may prescribe medication, physical therapy, or adaptive devices like braces or artificial limbs, and provide guidance on lifestyle modifications.

Furthermore, Physiatrists also focus on patient education, helping them understand their condition and the rehabilitation process, which is key to achieving a successful recovery.

They are dedicated to patient advocacy and work closely with patients’ families and caregivers to ensure the patient’s needs are met.

 

Physiatrist Qualifications and Skills

A physiatrist, also known as a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician, should have a specific set of qualifications and skills that align with the job description, such as:

• Extensive knowledge in physical medicine and rehabilitation, with the ability to diagnose and treat a wide range of physical disabilities and pain conditions.
• Ability to use medical equipment for diagnostics and treatments, such as nerve conduction studies, electromyography, and ultrasound guided procedures.
• Strong interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with patients, their families, and other healthcare professionals, providing clear explanations about their diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment options.
• Ability to work in a team-oriented environment, collaborating with other healthcare providers like physical therapists, occupational therapists, nurses, and social workers to develop a comprehensive treatment plan for each patient.
• Strong problem-solving skills to assess patient’s physical conditions and devise effective treatment plans.
• High level of patience and empathy for dealing with patients who are dealing with chronic pain and disabilities.
• Excellent organizational skills to manage a large number of patients and keep accurate, up-to-date medical records.
• Possess a valid medical license and have completed a residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation.
• Ability to stay informed on the latest research and advancements in physical medicine and rehabilitation.

 

Physiatrist Experience Requirements

Physiatrists, also known as Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation physicians, typically require extensive education and experience.

It starts with a Bachelor’s degree, preferably in a science-related field, followed by a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree.

Entry-level physiatrists are fresh medical school graduates who have completed a 4-year physiatry residency program.

During this time, they gain experience in managing medical conditions and rehabilitating patients with physical disabilities and pain.

Following their residency, some physiatrists opt for a 1 to 2-year fellowship to gain specialized experience in areas such as sports medicine, pain management, pediatric rehabilitation, or spinal cord injury.

Physiatrists with 3 to 5 years of experience usually have a solid foundation in their specialty and have often mastered the diagnostic and therapeutic procedures specific to their field.

They also likely have experience in clinical settings, outpatient care, and managing a diverse patient population.

For those with over 5 years of experience, leadership roles may be within reach.

These roles often require not only an extensive medical background but also experience in areas such as program development, staff supervision, and healthcare administration.

Continuing education and staying abreast with the latest research and advancements in physical medicine and rehabilitation is crucial for all levels of experience in this field.

 

Physiatrist Education and Training Requirements

A Physiatrist, also known as a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) physician, typically needs to have a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or a Doctor of Osteopathy (D.O.) degree.

The pathway to becoming a physiatrist begins with a pre-medical undergraduate degree, which is often in biology, chemistry, or another science field.

This is followed by four years of medical school to earn an M.D. or D.O. degree.

After medical school, aspiring physiatrists must complete a residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation, which usually lasts four years.

This program provides them with hands-on experience in diagnosing, treating, and managing patients with physical and/or cognitive impairments and disabilities.

Sub-specialization in this field may require additional fellowship training in areas such as brain injury medicine, hospice and palliative medicine, neuromuscular medicine, pain medicine, pediatric rehabilitation medicine, spinal cord injury medicine, and sports medicine.

After completing their education and training, physiatrists must pass the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (ABPMR) certification exam to become board-certified.

This certification is not mandatory but is highly regarded in the field and can increase a physician’s employability and career advancement opportunities.

Continuing education is necessary throughout a physiatrist’s career to stay current with medical advancements and maintain board certification.

This can be achieved by attending conferences, seminars, and workshops, and by reading relevant medical journals.

 

Physiatrist Salary Expectations

A Physiatrist, also known as a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation physician, earns an average of $220,380 (USD) per year.

The specific salary may vary depending on factors such as years of experience, educational qualifications, and geographic location.

Furthermore, the type of establishment in which they practice, such as private practice or a hospital setting, may also influence the salary.

 

Physiatrist Job Description FAQs

What is the educational requirement for a Physiatrist?

Becoming a Physiatrist requires a significant amount of formal education.

Firstly, they need to complete a Bachelor’s Degree, which is followed by four years of medical school to earn an MD or DO degree.

After medical school, they must undergo four years of residency training in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

Some Physiatrists choose to specialize further by completing fellowship training in a specific area such as sports medicine, spinal cord injuries or pediatric physiatry.

 

What skills are needed to be a successful Physiatrist?

Physiatrists require strong communication and interpersonal skills to discuss complex medical issues with patients and their families.

They must be empathetic, patient, and have a caring personality as they often work with patients who are dealing with chronic pain or disabilities.

Physiatrists also need to have strong problem-solving abilities and be detail-oriented to diagnose and treat a range of physical conditions accurately.

 

What are the daily duties of a Physiatrist?

A Physiatrist’s daily duties typically include evaluating and diagnosing patients, developing comprehensive treatment plans, coordinating with other healthcare professionals like physical therapists or occupational therapists, and monitoring patient progress.

They may also conduct research, give lectures, or contribute to academic literature in their field.

 

What makes a good Physiatrist?

A good Physiatrist is not just knowledgeable about the human body and physical rehabilitation, but also empathetic and patient-centered.

They should be able to inspire trust in their patients, be adept at coordinating with a multidisciplinary team, and have a genuine desire to help improve their patients’ quality of life.

Strong decision-making skills and a commitment to staying updated with the latest research and advances in physiatry are also key.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Physiatrist?

The demand for Physiatrists is high, especially given the aging population and the increasing need for their expertise in helping patients regain function after illness or injury.

However, the pool of qualified candidates is relatively small as it is a specialized field with rigorous training requirements.

Thus, it can be challenging to find the right fit for your practice or medical facility.

Offering competitive compensation, opportunities for continuing education, and a supportive work environment can help attract top talent.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the intricate details of being a physiatrist.

Surprise, surprise!

It’s not just about treating patients.

It’s about revitalizing lives, one patient at a time.

Armed with our trusty physiatrist job description template and real-life instances, you’re ready to step up.

But why put a stop there?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate guide to creating meticulous job listings or refining your resume to precision.

Remember:

Every patient is a part of the larger healing journey.

Let’s embark on that journey. Together.

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