How do you explain to others what a physiatrist does?
While the field of physiatry has been around since World War 1, it has yet to receive the recognition other medical specialties have. Many people you encounter may have never heard of a physiatrist and may confuse the profession with physical therapy or psychiatry. The interviewers understand this and want to see how you explain your job duties to others to know that you have a firm understanding of the profession.
"This is a great question! I often get asked if I am training to be a physical therapist or psychiatrist, as the words are similar. I explain that a physiatrist is a doctor that is an expert in designing comprehensive, patient-centered treatment plans for patients with disabilities or impairments to improve their quality of life. I further explain that although physiatrists are doctors, their goal is not to focus on a medical cure but to maximize patients' independence in their normal, everyday activities while improving their function and quality of life. If the person I am speaking with is interested in hearing more, I will give an example of the types of patients I see while maintaining patient confidentiality."
