Physical
Medicine and Rehabilitation encompasses several clinical areas. First, we
perform a lot of musculoskeletal medicine (sports, occupational, injuries,
etc.) This is mostly done on an outpatient basis. We concentrate on functional
outcomes and exercise and overlap to some extent with orthopedics
(non-operative) and neurology. We also practice in the rehabilitation of
persons with catastrophic medical issues, such as stroke, spinal cord injury,
brain injury, and multiple trauma. This is done in
both inpatient and outpatient settings, and again focuses on restoring function
and independence. We perform electrodiagnosis (EMG)
as well. This involves diagnosing neuromuscular problems such as carpal tunnel
syndrome, radiculopathy, and other disorders of the nerves
and muscles. This subspecialty is also shared with neurology. Lastly, some
persons in our specialty concentrate on fluoroscopically guided injections
(usually for pain management) and BOTOX injections.
All medical students are invited to take an elective rotation in the Department
of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R). Since there are a number
of PM&R electives to choose from, it is recommended that the student
discuss the most appropriate elective with Dr. Nathan Prahlow
(call 278-0200). If a student is considering entering the field of PM&R,
the PM&R elective should be taken in the third year or as early in the
senior year as possible. Members of the department of PM&R are happy to
provide advice about residency programs.
Residency in PM&R includes four years of post-graduate training. The first of these years is usually spent in a transitional year (PGY-I), though some PM&R programs offer a combined four years of training. Our residency program at Indiana University provides the PGY-II to PGY-IV experience, and students should apply separately for a suitable PGY-1 experience at an accredited program of their choice.
Please call
the department of PM&R at 278-0200 if you have any questions or would like
to learn more about PM&R, our residency, or our elective rotations.
Nathan Prahlow, M.D.
Assistant Professor and Interim Chair
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation