Physiatry (fizz-I-a-try), also call physical medicine and rehabilitation, is a small medical specialty focused on rehabilitation, prevention and nonsurgical treatment of musculoskeletal and neurological diseases and injuries. Our dedication to helping individuals recover from injuries and illness has created a growing demand for our specialty.
In my practice I treat everything from arthritis and sprains to carpal tunnel syndrome to neck and back pain. Whether you are injured playing sports, on the job, or in a car accident a physiatrist can help you return to your previous level of function.
Physiatrists are also experts in prevention of injury and disease. By formulating individualized exercise programs and discussing issues such as nutrition and weight loss we can lessen the risk of injury or improve pain, not to mention reverse the effects of diseases like diabetes or heart disease.
But why did I choose to specialize in Physiatry after medical school? There are few areas of medicine that are so rewarding. By restoring function to individuals I give them hope for a better tomorrow. By teaching prevention I am able to make a difference in lives long-term. What better way to have a lasting impact on someone than by improving their quality of life?
There are many terrific physicians out there and every specialty has its place in the healthcare team. But there is no other field of medicine where I would rather be practicing.
