Question To/about Physiatrists/physiatry URGENT (Physical Therapy Student Asking) (PHYSICAL MEDICINE and REHAB?

Question by sebastian: Question to/about physiatrists/physiatry URGENT (Physical Therapy student asking) (PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND REHAB?
Hello everybody, I have a few questions either to physiatrists, or anyone who could help me clear out these doubts about physiatry. Well, I’m a physical therapist student, currently ending my first year. Where I study Physical Therapy is a 4 year career. I’ve heard people talk about “Physiatry” or Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and researching about that medial specialization, It just sounds excellent, someone I’m really interested in and would love to work along side with one. Now I had a series of questions, so I guess I’ll start here. Obviously, compared to a PT, a physiatrist studies many more years to become one. It’s a bit hard for me to completely comprehend and understand EXACTLY what ALL the differences are between a PT and a physiatrist, aside from the most obvious “one has to go through medicine”, could someone explain to me what are the differences between the two in a normal clinic or hospital working environment. What are some things a PT CAN do which a physiatrist CANT do? Does a physiatrist, apart from all of his experties in medicine, farmocology, surgery, lesions, etc.. also know EVERYTHING a PT learns? What are the differences between how a PT and a physiatrist rehabilitate?

Also, when working together, how would a Physiatrist work together with a PT, example, what would he do which the PT wouldn’t and what would he not do, and have the PT do to one patient in the rehabilitation process.

Last but not least, what are the views of physiatrists on PT’ists? And also, how would a physiatrist work with a PT who has a masters degree in Neurological Rehabilitation. THANK YOU.

Best answer:

Answer by boogeywoogy
A physiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation.
A physiatrist writes the prescription (“order”) for physical and other therapies (OT and ST) and coordinates care depending on the medical and rehabilitative needs of the patient as recommended by the evaluating therapists.
He/she directs rehabilitative care and is responsible for running the rehab unit.
Physiatrists have training in orthopedics, neurology, neuropsychology and general medicine. Because they are medical doctors, they can prescribe drugs and orthotics/prosthetics.
Physiatrists do know everything a PT knows, and how best to use PT for each patient.
Physiatrists do not do the day-to-day therapy; that’s what PT’s do.
Each therapist does his/her own evaluation of a patient, then reports back to the physiatrist, who approves the treatment plan.
In my experience, physiatrists respect all members of the rehab team and considers them to be indispensable in assisting in the care of the patient..

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