Physiatrists working with/for Orthopods

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bgabes

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Hi,

I'm a second year med student who peruses the PM&R journal here at school frequently...I've noticed that many of the job opportunities in the back of the journals are offered by orthopedic surgeon (or orthopedic groups) seeking to add a physiatrist. I was wondering if there were any readers on this board currently working in a comparable arrangement (ie with/for an orthopod) or if anyone comment upon what the actual role of the physiatrist is in this situation, ie what do they do all day? Any feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks,


Brian

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At least at the institutions I've worked at, Physiatrists and Surgeons work well together. Our services are highly valued by the surgeons and we refer lots of patients to each other. Also, we can do the workup (MRI, CT, EMGs, X-rays, diagnostic SNRBs, discography, etc.) and try conservative treatment (PT, medications, TPIs, ESIs, MBBs, joint injections, etc.) first. If these measures don't work, we refer them to the surgeon and they are happy to get these patients because they can schedule surgery for them fairly quickly. Most surgeons will want to cofirm the source of the pain generator and make sure that it isn't amenable to conservative treatment before performing surgery. Additionally, we see lots of patient after surgery to prescribe an appropriate rehabilitation program, monitor progress, or because they have FBSS and they aren't surgical candidates. With additional training such as the ones described here, we can also offer minimally invasive surgeries such as spinal cord stimulators, peripheral nerve stimulators, intrathecal pumps, etc.

I pulled a few job listings to show how Physiatrists might fit into an Orthopaedic practice.

AAPM&R Website said:
1. CT - Seeking a fellowship trained physiatrist to join our comprehensive musculoskeletal center Located one hour from New York City and two and one half hours from Vermont ski country with a reputation for excellence in patient care, our group covers professional Athletes including Division 1 college athletes as well as many local high schools. The primary emphasis of this position would be spinal intervention, pain management and electrodiagnosis. Experience in intraoperative spinal cord monitoring would confer advantage. Comprehensive salary and benefit package including profit sharing and 401K.

2. NY - Excellent opportunity for a Board Certified/Board Qualified physiatrist to join a progressive five member private practice orthopaedic group with sub-specialty interest in spine, sports medicine, adult reconstructive, total joint arthroplasty, and metabolic bone disease. Experience in muscle testing, electrodiagnostic testing, and injection treatments (epidural blocks, etc.) required. The position is primarily outpatient with in-patient acute rehabilitation available.

3. **** Healthcare is seeking a Physiatrist or Anesthesiologist with a pain fellowship to develop a comprehensive outpatient spine and pain management program. The provider will work primarily with the neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons to establish a non-operative spine, sports and postoperative program. Candidates will practice a full spectrum of physiatry including clinical diagnosis, invasive procedures and epidural pain management. **** Healthcare is a teaching hospital, affiliated with Columbia University, serving an 8-county region in Upstate New York, with active neurosurgical and orthopedic programs as well as practices in 22 regional health centers.

4. **** Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, five respected and innovative surgeons with spine program serving population base of 350,000 offer excellent practice opportunity. Candidates must be board eligible. Community has excellent hospitals, including an in-patient rehabilitation hospital. We offer generous salary, outstanding benefits and partnership opportunity.

5. **** Health Care is seeking 1 BC/BQ musculoskeletal physiatrist to join 2 other physiatrists in a thriving multi-specialty group. The primary focus is outpatient musculoskeletal physical medicine. Patient mix includes shoulders, knees, spine, sports, arthritis & EMGs. Flouroscopy available for epidurals and other procedures. Referral sources are primary care and orthopedics. Department includes 2 orthopedic surgeons, 1 podiatrist and 2 physiatrists, and it is adjacent to a full service radiology department.
 
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