Physiatrists: The Keepers of Function

By: Apeksha Agarwal

Physiatrists are doctors who specialize in physical medicine and rehabilitation to improve function and reduce pain from injuries. They focus on the recovery of function, movement, and quality of life. Instead of focusing on one specific organ or system, physiatrists take account of the whole patients’ body as one. But let’s look into their scope of practice.

Initially when people think of physiatrists, physical therapy is the first thought that comes to mind. While physical therapy is a huge part of their treatment plan, their practice extends way farther. They are trained to design personalized treatment plans according to their patients which could include physical therapy, medication, injection, and occupational therapy. Physiatrists work with a wide range of patients, from people who are recovering from strokes, amputations, spinal cord injuries, sports injuries, and chronic pain. Some physiatrists even specialize further into their specialities such as sports medicine, brain injury medicine, and pain medicine. 

To reach this level, physiatrists go through years of extensive education and training. Firstly they must obtain their bachelor’s degree and complete the necessary prerequisites. After completing their bachelor’s degree they must attempt at the MCAT exam and pass in order to attend medical school. At medical school, students will be exposed to various fields in medicine, such as physical management and rehabilitation. After completing medical school, they will go through 4 years of residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation, in which they will receive specialized training. If then the physiatrist wants to train in a subspeciality they must attend a fellowship of 1-2 years in their chosen subspeciality. Altogether it takes about 12 years of higher education and training to become a psychiatrist.

Many people believe that once a physiatrist assigns a physical therapy plan, their job is done. But in reality physiatrists are with you in each step of the journey. They often coordinate plans and treatments with surgeons, physical therapists, psychologists and many more doctors. Their job is to oversee the entire patient’s well being, from pain to emotional stress. 

In conclusion, physiatrists are a vital part of healthcare who are often overlooked. From helping patients gain movement after a traumatic injury to managing chronic pain their work has a direct impact on the patient’s confidence and independence. Even as the field of medicine continues to grow, physiatrists will continue to be vital, reminding us that healing isn’t just about curing illness but also restoring the ability to live.

Works Cited

Guide, Step. “What is a Physiatrist.” AAPM&R, https://www.aapmr.org/about-physiatry/about-physical-medicine-rehabilitation/what-is-physiatry. Accessed 2 September 2025.

“Physiatrist.” Johns Hopkins Medicine, https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/physiatrist. Accessed 2 September 2025.

Torres, Callie. “How to become a Physiatrist?” UMHS, 17 December 2024, https://www.umhs-sk.org/blog/how-to-become-a-physiatrist. Accessed 2 September 2025.