3 Things for Primary Care to Remember About Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

"We are experts in the medical management of these neuromuscular and disabling conditions and that includes other issues that might go along with them, like musculoskeltal pain, headaches, the need for interventional management."

Physiatrist Scott Laker, MD, vice president of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation offered this reminder and 2 others when Patient Care® asked him to share 3 things that should be top of mind for primary care clinicians when they think about physical medicine and rehabilitation.

He rounds out the list in the conversation that follows.

Scott Laker, MD, is vice president of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, associate professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation in the University of Colorado School of Medicine's department of physical medicine and rehabilitation, and associate dean of clinical affairs at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, in Denver. Laker previously served as a member of the University of Washington Sports and Spine Physicians and was a founding member of the Seattle Sports Concussion Program. He has cared for athletes at all levels of participation from adolescents to adults and from amateurs to professionals.