Exciting News . . The new Farr Healthcare, Inc. Website

Great news!  The website for Farr Healthcare, Inc. is now new and improved.  Our website includes a comprehensive list of practice opportunities as Farr Healthcare, Inc. works with most national rehab systems, private practices and some academic programs.  The website has information to help you through the practice search process as either a physiatrist looking for work or if you want to add a physiatrist.  Of course, we’re always available to talk directly to help you through the process.

There are now several ways to identify practice opportunities from the home page to include clicking on the top tab that says Openings.  You can now select interventional versus general PM&R jobs as well.  Other ways to find jobs on the Home Page are by clicking on a list of states OR using a map OR a list of all jobs (on the far left in the Current Openings section) OR clicking on the tab on the bottom left hand side.

There’s also a section mid-page that highlights the most recent job addition.

You can now contact Farr Healthcare several ways if you’re looking for a job, the most obvious is a button on the far right-hand side of the screen.

Employers can contact Farr Healthcare from the Home Page or by clicking on the top button labelled Employer Services.

As always, you can subscribe to receive releases about new openings by entering your email towards the bottom of the home page.  As a benefit, you will automatically receive a Physiatry Contract Negotiation checklist.

A tab for Resources for billing, practice management, contract review, coaching, EMR’s, licensing and immigration lawyers may be found on the home page in the lower left-hand corner.

Blogs are released on an ongoing basis and can be found by clicking on the Physiatry News button on the top of the Home Page.

On the bottom right-hand side of the pages are links to information about physician recruitment services, interview and job searching, practice management, contract negotiation and compensation.

I look forward to hearing from you via the new website!

MIPS in a Minute – Hospital-based Physiatrists

The Medicare MIPS Program is unnecessarily complex and unwieldy for hospital-based physiatrists, who often have minimal support staff. Failure to report MIPS in 2024 can result in a 10% Medicare PENALTY in 2026. However, successfully reporting MIPS in 2024 can result in a 10% BONUS in 2026! The 10% penalty or bonus has a tremendous impact on hospital-based physiatry practices, because 60% to 70% of patients have Medicare as their primary insurance. There are many resources available – from the CMS MIPS Help Desk to private registry companies. However, in my experience, they lack understanding of hospital-based practices, and are focused primarily on outpatient practices. This article will outline the steps I recommend for hospital-based physiatrists to achieve success in meeting the requirements of Medicare’s MIPS program, and thereby earn a lucrative bonus.

article about medicare billing for physiatrists with picture of medicare card

Reporting for Past Years

First, establish a chronology of how your practice has dealt with MIPS reporting in past years.

– Based on reporting for 2022, are you receiving a Medicare penalty or bonus in 2024? Ask your billing personnel for a current Medicare Remittance Advice, and you will know instantly.

– Based on reporting for 2023, will you receive a penalty or bonus in 2025? You should check a Remittance Advice for the upcoming 2025 year.

Current Year Reporting (2024)

Reporting MIPS in 2024, which will result in a penalty or bonus in 2026, involves the following 4 categories:

  1. Quality (30%) – This category is the most important, and the one you can easily control. I recommend reporting a Specialty set via a Registry.
  2. Improvement Activities (15%) – There is a comprehensive list of available Improvement Activities to report. Since you are probably already performing these activities, all you need to do is select 2 of them.
  3. Promoting Interoperability – aka EHR- (25%) – You are probably classified as a “small practice” by Medicare, which means that you do not need to report this category and the 25% will be redistributed to the other 3 categories.
  4. Cost (30%) – Cost is calculated by Medicare so there is nothing for you to report.

The summary above is a general outline and provides an overview of the MIPS program. With some effort, hospital-based physiatrists can not only meet the requirements of the MIPS program, but also earn a lucrative bonus!

This article was contributed by Mr. Bruno Stillo, Physiatry Billing Specialists, 800-835-4482, http://physiatrymedicalbilling.com/
They specialize in Inpatient Physiatry Medical Billing for 20 years. All of their clients are on staff at acute care rehabilitation facilities. If you are starting a new practice, they can set up everything for you. If you have an existing practice, and want to improve your billing system, they can clean up your old receivables, and ensure that new billings are done professionally.

The Top 10 Skills To Highlight On Your PM&R Curriculum Vitae

The goal of your physiatry curriculum vitae is to make you stand out as the best candidate for a practice opportunity!  How do you do this?  The best way is to know what the employer wants and tailor-make your cv to address your professional characteristics that match them.  Sometimes the physiatry job description tells you what the employer is looking for in the new candidate.  Farr Healthcare tries to provide as much information posssible about physiatry jobs.  Information about practice opportunities with Farr Healthcare, Inc. can be found here.

Finding out what an employer wants isn’t always possible before you present your cv but you can still make your cv shine compared to other cv’s.  It’s most efficient if you track your accomplishments along your career path but most people usually don’t keep their cv up-to-date.  So, try to make a mental note to update your cv at the time of each accomplishment.   Here are ten key skills that will make your cv the best possible:

Leadership:   This goes without saying.  Any position that you have that involves physical medicine and rehabilitation leadership should be so noted.  And, it need not only be professional as it can be a leadership position in your personal life.  Examples:  Chief Resident, Medical Director, Chair of the Clinic Work on a Mission Trip to Kenya, M.B.A., Director of Brain Injury Medicine

Clinical Expertise: If you have been in a position where you started a new program, be it at a new rehab hospital or a new pain management program at an acute care hospital, make sure to note this in a bullet underneath the job listing.  If you have been instrumental in a successful CARF-certification, this should be included on your cv as an example of your clinical expertise.  If you are accredited by a well-recognized organization this too should be on your cv.  Examples:  Served as Medical Director for a brand new freestanding independent acute rehabilitation hospital, Best Rehab Hospital in the Region (based on a corporation’s statistics), Voted Best Resident, Highest SAE Score Award

Interdisciplinary Collaboration: The ability to work well with others is always a highly-rated skill.  Your cv should list any PM&R committee work.  Examples:  Served on the Quality Oversight Committee, Medical Executive Committee President

Patient-Centered Care:   Sometimes physiatry employers search the web for a doctor’s patient reviews or patient review scores.  If your reviews or scores stand out, save them the time and include this information on your cv.  Examples:  Rated 5/5 by U.S. New and World Report Patient Satisfaction, Castle Connolly Top Doctor, Top Women in Medicine

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Techniques: If you have some unique PM&R skills, include them on your cv.  If you’re an interventionalist, it’s helpful to list the procedures you ro on your cv.  Examples:  Proficient in spinal cord stimulator trials, vertebroplasty, percutaneous discectomy, intrathecal baclofen pump management

Diagnostic Skills: Emphasize your physical medicine proficiency in using diagnostic tools and methods, including  electromyography (EMG), and other diagnostic procedures relevant to physiatry.

Pain Management: Illustrate your expertise in managing chronic pain through both pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods, including injections, physical therapy, and alternative therapies.  Example:  Member of Scientific Advisory Board, Member  of Spine Society(s)

Research and Evidence-Based Practice: Highlight any involvement in research activities, clinical trials, or contributions to evidence-based practice that demonstrate your commitment to advancing the field of physiatry.

Communication Skills: If you speak an international language such as Spanish, make sure to include this on your cv.  Presentations that you have done should also be on your cv.  Examples:  Outstanding Oral Presentation, NYU Scholarly Day; Introduction to Spinal Cord Injury Residency Lecture Series, Miami

Continued Education and Certification: Mention any additional PM&R certifications, fellowships, or continuing education that contribute to your ongoing professional development and expertise in physiatry.  Example Board Certified in Worker’s Compensation in NY State, Fluoro-licensed in CA, Medical Education Research Certificate

One of the doctors who had success finding a great practice opportunity with Farr Healthcare, Inc.’s advice says:

“It is with great pleasure that I offer Linda Farr my recommendation for her excellent work in physician recruiting and placement.  Ms. Farr is extremely capable and knowledgeable in her chosen field of work.  She is unfailingly courteous, cheerful, prompt and helpful.” S. Parameshwaran, M.D.

For more details on how to make a great cv, watch Linda Farr’s video “What’s Wrong With These Curriculum Vitae? – A Primer On How To Prepare Your Curriculum Vitae.

Tailoring these skills to your personal experiences and achievements can help you create the most compelling and effective CV!  Contact us today to start your practice search journey with Farr Healthcare, Inc.

Why Choose Farr Healthcare for Physiatry Recruitment?

Farr Healthcare, Inc. has over 40 years of experience in physician recruitment, including 25+ years dedicated exclusively to physiatry, Farr Healthcare offers unparalleled expertise and resources in the field. Founded over 20 years ago, our firm has been a leader in providing physiatry recruitment services.

Picture of Linda Farr, Farr Healthcare, Inc.

What Sets Us Apart To Help You Find a Physiatry Practice Opportunity:

Farr Healthcare, Inc is a small company which goes the extra mile, nurtures relationships with physiatrists to the end of a successful practice search and provides consistent, high-quality service.

  1. Specialization in Physiatry Recruitment: Farr Healthcare, Inc. specializes exclusively in PM&R  recruitment, which sets us apart from generalist recruitment firms.  Physiatry recruitment is all we do which is unlike the vast majority of other recruitment firms out there.  We know the lingo, we know what information to ferret out from employers, we know how to glean the pro’s and con’s of the jobs as they relate to your interests.
  2. Extensive Experience: With over 30 years in physiatry recruitment and former experience working in the largest rehab system, Linda Farr and the team have one of the longest tenures in physiatry recruitment and offer deep industry knowledge and insights.  This experience enables us to help you like no one else can.  Based on our past experience working within a rehab system, our core ambition is to place you where you will be the most happy as will your employer also.
  3. Comprehensive Service: We offer thorough information upfront about physical medicine and rehab practice opportunities, helping physiatrists make informed decisions without wasting time on unsuitable positions.  We get answers from the employer to any questions you might have so you can decide if it’s worth your time to interview.  We do not provide your cv to an employer unless we have had a conversation with you, provided information about the practice opportunity(s) to you, and then only when you give us approval to provide the employer(s) with your cv.
  4. Honest and Transparent Approach: We pride ourselves on being upfront, honest, and reliable. We do not push unsuitable positions and provide honest answers to questions.
  5. Personalized Service: Farr Healthcare, Inc. is usually available days, nights, and weekends to respond to inquiries and provide prompt feedback on the status of practice opportunities.  Feel free to contact us anytime be it to find a job, consult on a job you’re considering outside of our services or just to talk about the current job market.
  6. Exclusive Opportunities: Some physiatry practice opportunities are exclusively represented by Farr Healthcare, Inc., ensuring unique access for physiatrists looking for a job.
  7. No Cost to the Candidate: There is no charge to you, and you are not bound to work exclusively with Farr Healthcare, Inc.
  8. Goal of Candidate Happiness: Our aim is to match you with positions that best suit your interests and ensure you are happy in your new role.

Contact us today start your journey with Farr Healthcare, Inc.!

What Sets Us Apart To Help You Find a Physiatrist:

In essence, Farr Healthcare, Inc. positions itself as a specialized, experienced, and dedicated partner for physiatrists seeking new practice opportunities, offering personalized and transparent recruitment services.

  • Extensive Resources: Our database includes detailed profiles of over 13,400 physiatrists, featuring practice preferences, geographic locations, and contact details such as emails and cell phone numbers.
  • Immediate Outreach: Upon initiating your search, we promptly engage potential candidates through targeted email campaigns.
  • Industry Visibility: As the foremost professional recruiter in physiatry, we maintain strong connections with PM&R physicians actively seeking new opportunities.
  • Effective Marketing: Your physical medicine and rehabilitation practice opportunity will be prominently featured on our website, a trusted resource for physiatry job listings and recruitment information.
  • Engagement with Trainees: We proactively communicate with residents and fellows, ensuring a pipeline of emerging talent for your consideration.
  • Conference Participation: We attend the national physiatry meetings annually, inviting clients to join us and providing valuable insights into industry trends.
  • Time Savings: We streamline the candidate screening and qualification process, allowing you to focus on other critical aspects of your practice.
  • Insightful Recommendations: Leveraging decades of experience, we offer invaluable insights into the qualifications and suitability of available physiatrists.
  • Competitive Financial Services: Our services are designed to be cost-effective, providing excellent value for your recruitment investment.

Make a contact today to Farr Healthcare, Inc. to start a productive physiatry search!

 

Testimonials of our truly remarkable Physiatry placement service from employers:

  • “It is with great pleasure that I offer Linda Farr my recommendation for her excellent work in physician recruiting and placement. Ms. Farr is extremely capable and knowledgeable in her chosen field of work. She is unfailingly courteous, cheerful, prompt and helpful.”
    – S. Parameshwaran, M.D.
  • “You have a great reputation and we are lucky to have your help! ”
    – Ron Bingham, M.D
  • “Linda Farr has provided exemplary work for my hospital, as well as several of the other HealthSouth hospitals across the country. She recently helped us place an outpatient PM&R physician. What I have appreciated most about Linda is her commitment to me as the client, as well as her commitment to the physician. Even after she had received her payment, Linda has continued to stay in contact with both of us to assure that the relationship was what we both had expected. She has offered to smooth out rough spots if need be and has done a fabulous job of keeping a pulse on our relationship, something that I would expect from a high-class recruiter.”
    – Kristen DeHart, Administrator, HealthSouth, Overland Park, KS

Testimonials of our truly remarkable Physiatry placement service from physiatrists looking for work:

  • “I appreciate your staying and keeping in touch with me. I really appreciate your help and will always mention you to other residents and fellows when they ask about recruiters. Other recruiters whom I had brief contract with were less than knowledgeable about the PM&R field.”
    – Fred Newton, M.D.
  • “I wanted to thank you for all of your time and energy in helping me look for opportunities. I have been extremely busy with the fellowship so I know I have not always been easy to get a hold of. Thank you for your perseverance. I will definitely refer other PM&R people your way.”
    – John Groner, M.D.
  • “Thanks for your email. Thank you for your time. You have a great company in my opinion.”
    – Kevin Hsu, M.D.
  • “Linda was very helpful when I was searching for the right spot, and eventually decided to take the position I have been growing for the last eight years. I was very comfortable with her low-pressure approach and her knowledge of the ever-changing PM&R job market. It is good to see her at every PM&R Annual Assembly, just to say thanks.”
    -Enrique Linan, M.D., Medical Director, Mission Hospital Rehab unit
  • “Your reputation as a reputable recruitment resource precedes you.”
    -Giovanni David, M.D.

 

 

 

THE TOP 10 PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION JOBS

There are many physiatry jobs available.  It’s often hard to determine which practice opportunities are best for you based on the information typically posted on websites.  Here is a representative sampling of some practice opportunities nationally to include Farr Healthcare’s insights about them.  Hopefully this information will be helpful to you.

1.CT – HARTFORD
INTERVENTIONAL

interventional physiatry job in hartford, CT with picture of skyline of hartford, CT

This physical medicine and rehabilitation practice opportunity is with one of CT’s largest orthopedic/physiatry groups with the founding partner a physiatrist.  The overall compensation is in the 99th percentile across the country according to the Medical Group Management Association.  The location is just 1 ½ hours to Boston and NYC.

2.  FL – VENICE, Also available in AZ – Phoenix area and TX – Victoria
INPATIENT/OUTPATIENT

inpatient physiatry job in venice, fl with picture of downtown Venice, FL

You are the consultant for the patients as internists provide the primary care.  Affiliate with one of the nation’s largest rehab systems.  There are great opportunities for program development and a welcoming medical staff to promote your services.

3.GA – ATLANTA
MEDICAL DIRECTOR, REHAB FACILITY or WOUND CARE/HYPERBARICS or MEDICAL DIRECTOR OR STAFF, REHAB UNIT or OUTPATIENT WITH CONSULTS

Inpatient and outpatient and consults and wound care jobs in Atlanta with picture of Atlanta skyline

This PM&R practice opportunity provides you with a dynamic, energetic, very motivated team to include residents.   The compensation is a very competitive salary with comprehensive benefits.  Enjoy the excitement ofthis rapidly growing program.

4.IN – LAFAYETTE, MISHAWAKA or CARMEL
INPATIENT

This unique job offers the choice to work 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off.  The Medical Director stipend is competitive at $120,000 – $150,000.  Enjoy affiliation as an employee.  Another practice opportunity in Lafayette offers call 2 weeks/year, choice of employee or independent contractor and the choice of being the primary doctor or consultant

5.ME – PORTLAND, Also available in NY – Buffalo and FL – Daytona Beach
SKILLED NURSING FACILITY WORK, 6 HOURS/DAY, 4 DAYS/WEEK

skilled nursing facility physiatry job in portland, ME with pitcure of a lighthouse in Maine

This schedule is terrific plus no call.  It offers a huge benefits package.  Enjoy autonomy with this position.  It’s ideal if you seek a flexible schedule suitable for parents or for a more balanced lifestyle without compromise of income or benefits.

6.MI – DETROIT AREA
INPATIENT/OUTPATIENT – FULL- OR PART-TIME

Detroit

$400 million commited to enhance this inpatient rehabilitation program.   This rehab program was ranked # 4 in the state by Newsweek.  There is hospitalist consultant coverage for all inpatient rehab medical management.  This physiatry practice truly emphasizes quality and time well-spent with patients.

7.NM  – ALBUQUERQUE, similar openings nationwide to include Dallas, TX
INPATIENT/OUTPATIENT – MEDICAL DIRECTOR, REHAB OR STAFF

You can choose to be the consultant or the primary doctor as there is good internal medicine coverage.  No call!  Enjoy a tremendous sign-on bonus of up to $40K and relocation.  There is a billing expert on-site.

8.NY – BROOKLYN AND NORTHERN NJ
INTERVENTIONAL

This physical medicine and rehabilitation position is with a private practice that has physiatrists with great credentials; the senior physiatrist is Board Certified in PM&R, Pain, Sports and EMG’s!  There are no drug patients.  Enjoy good collegial relations and a cohesive office staff.

9.OR – PORTLAND
OUTPATIENT – FULL- OR PART-TIME

This is a stable, financially-strong private practice with a good referral base.  The staff have been with the practice for 20+ years.  Enjoy a good mix of physiatric variability to include outpatient strokes and TBI.

10.  SC – NEAR COLUMBIA
MEDICAL DIRECTOR, REHAB

This is a brand-new rehab hospital so you can make your mark on it.  You will enjoy the autonomy and income advantages of being an independent contractor with the help of this company to do the marketing for you and help with setting up your practice.

Overall, each practice opportunity offers its own set of advantages, whether it’s a diverse scope of practice, high compensation, flexible scheduling, or opportunities for professional growth.  Consider your own preferences, career goals and personal circumstances when evaluating with opportunity might be the best fit for you.

The Worst Physiatry Job Prospects

It may be strange to write about bad physiatry job prospects as the current PM&R job market favors physiatry job applicants.  There is definitely a shortage of physiatrists.  However, not all physiatry job markets offer equal opportunities.

Strong Competition in Metropolitan Areas

picture of nyc in blog about physiatry job market

Metropolitan areas present a different set of hurdles for physiatrists. Most physiatry job candidates favor big cities.  Therefore, there is more competition for jobs in big cities.   With the large number of physiatrists in metro areas, it leads to more competition for patients.  There are several negative factors in big cities.  The high cost of living in cities affects how much a physiatrist will ultimately earn.  Some of the metro areas are in states with high income taxes which also cuts into the physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor’s ultimate income.  Some metro areas have closed health referral networks.  Unless you’re in the major health referral network in the area, your source of referrals is limited.

Varying Job Market in Rural Areas

picture of mountains in blog about physiatry job market in rural areas

For the few of you with an interest in rural areas, one challenge may be finding a PM&R practice opportunity in a small town.  The patient population in rural areas may not be sufficient to sustain a thriving practice.  Many practice opportunities in rural areas offer very competitive compensation particularly among big health care systems.  On the other hand, it may be difficult to find a competitive wage in a rural area because the demographics are such that income is less and hence salaries are less.   Limited resources, including the availability of referral physicians, nursing staff and ancillary services can also significantly hinder the job environment for physiatrists.

Reimbursement Issues

blog article about physiatry reimbursement

Beyond geographic considerations, reimbursement issues can impact job prospects nationwide. Reimbursement for spinal procedures in some areas has decreased over time and insurances may not recognize the procedures.  Job opportunities may dwindle as healthcare organizations prioritize specialties with higher reimbursement rates, leaving physiatrists grappling with financial uncertainties and limited career options.

Three Ways to Navigate the Physiatry Job Market Challenges

Despite the less than ideal outlook in certain job markets, aspiring physiatrists need not despair. Strategic planning and proactive measures can help mitigate the challenges associated with less favorable job prospects in physiatry.

  1. Diversification of Skills: Rather than focusing on a particular aspect of physiatry, it may be advisable to be able to provide a broad range of services. If reimbursements decrease in a particular field of physiatry, then you can divert to other services.
  2. Flexibility and Adaptability: Flexibility in practice settings can open doors to unforeseen job prospects. Adapting to evolving healthcare trends are essential for navigating the ever-changing landscape of physiatry employment.
  3. Networking and Advocacy: Building professional connections within the healthcare community and advocating for the value of physiatry are vital steps in overcoming job market obstacles. Active involvement in medical organizations, participation in advocacy initiatives, and collaboration with allied healthcare professionals can raise awareness about the critical role of physiatrists in patient care, potentially generating new job opportunities and partnerships.

“Thank you for all your help. If I ever require a new position I will reach out to you.”  Recent comment from a physiatrist to Farr Healthcare, Inc.

A Physiatrist Asks . . . What are the standard benefits offered?

A physiatrist who is recruiting a new doctor with our help asked me recently what are the typical benefits offered to physical medicine and rehabilitation doctors these days. I often hear that these benefits are fairly common:  Paid Time Off, CME, malpractice and health insurance.  Here is the PM&R outlook regarding typical benefits.  Information will later be provided about PM&R salary as I also often get asked about the average PM&R salary by physiatrists in different areas of the country.

PAID TIME OFF

The amount of Paid Time Off a PM&R doctor receives can vary based on factors such as the medical specialty, practice setting, and experience level.  On average, doctors can expect to receive between 2 to 6 weeks of paid time off per year. https://www.chellelaw.com/how-much-vacation-time-do-doctors-get/#:~:text=The%20amount%20of%20vacation%20time,generally%20receiving%20more%20vacation%20days.

On average, PTO for physicians is 25 to 35 days annually.  It is typical for physicians with more years of service to receive more PTO than new physicians just joining the hospital or group.  Some physicians receive an additional 5–10 PTO days accrual for CME. https://physiciansthrive.com/contract-review/paid-time-off/

CME

Annual allowances for CME typically range between $3,500 and $5,000, with paid time off between five and ten days. https://sullivancotter.com/attracting-and-retaining-physicians-through-benefits/

Most employers give between 3-5 days off for CME participation.  https://www.chellelaw.com/what-is-cme/

Most respondents reported receiving 1–6 days (N = 301 [60%]) and $1000–$5000 (n = 263 [53%]) per year to use in CME activities.  https://bmcmededuc.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12909-021-02595-x

HEALTH INSURANCE

There may be variations in the health insurance offered to a physiatrist, e.g.,  cover the new doctor only, cover the whole family, pay a percentage of it.

Additional benefits may include a 401k plan, travel expenses when there are multiple offices, relocation when a new doctor has to move. etc.

401 K START TIME

A major health employer’s 401(k) Plan starts on the first day following two months of service. 

Most employers allow a new doctor to begin participating in a 401(k) plan with their first paycheck. However, some employers impose a waiting period before the new doctor qualifies for the match. Just under under a quarter (22%) of 401(k) plans require a year of service before they will match employee 401(k) contributions, and a one- to three-month wait is also common (26%), according to a Plan Sponsor Council of America survey of nearly 600 401(k) and profit-sharing plans.  https://money.usnews.com/money/retirement/401ks/articles/how-to-maximize-your-401-k-match

Quote from a practice that Farr Healthcare, Inc. recently helped recruit a physiatrist:

“You have been fabulous with us which makes you unforgettable in my book. ”  Steve Jones, CFO, CitiMed, a former client

TOP 5 REASONS TO BE A PHYSIATRIST

After 30+ years in physiatry recruitment, I find there are many reasons why a physician might want to become a physiatrist.  It’s funny but lately there have been many more medical students at physiatry meetings than there ever was in the past.  I tell them that they’ve picked a good specialty!

First, a physiatrist’s lifestyle might provide a good work/life balance.  This is because a PM&R physician can choose to provide general outpatient work or interventional work which typically is a 9 AM – 5 PM schedule.  The same can now be said for some inpatient work because now some facilities have internists who provide the primary care while the physiatrist is the consultant.

Second, compensation for a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician can be competitive among physician specialties.  Although physiatry is listed in the lower third in the 2023 MedScape physician specialties survey, physiatry compensation is greater for some mostly inpatient or interventional PM&R subspecialities.  For example, according to a survey by PhysicianThrive, pain physiatrists earn on average $376,218.  Actually, I hear much larger compensation figures for this physical medicine and rehabilitation subspecialty.

Third, the availability of physiatry jobs is immense.  I can speak from professional PM&R physician recruitment experience that most all physiatry subspecialties are in great demand.   There are a lot of jobs available to provide inpatient, interventional, TBI, SCI and pediatric rehab services.

The fourth advantage of being a physiatrist is that you have a broad range of services to provide within the specialty.  A physiatrist can continue to provide inpatient work after residency or subspecialize in spine, TBI, SCI, pediatric, cancer, etc.  This also offers the ability for a physiatrist to change the services provided during their career.

Lastly, the fifth reason to become a physiatrist is the ability to be part of a team and to be a team leader.  Physiatrists work with therapists in physical, occupational and recreational therapy, medical assistants, nurses, case managers, etc.  It is a collaborative effort which is one of the keys to physiatry and is very rewarding and satisfying to physiatrists.