Introduction to Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Department
Neurology
Course Number
NEUR 397
Course Title Introduction to Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Course Director
Megha Mandalaywala, DO
Length (Weeks)

2, 4

When Offered

All year

Prerequisites

MED 305 (new pre-requisite as of fall 2023)

Availability Notes

All students in this elective are required to pick up an orientation information packet from GW MFA 9th floor (neurology department). Please contact Ms. Ballard for more information.

Contact Name
Nakesha Ballard
Contact Phone
Contact Fax
Contact Email
nballard@mfa.gwu.edu
Other Contacts

Dr. Mandalaywala (mmandalaywala@mfa.gwu.edu)

Location

Various locations; see below.

Limit
3
Report

Course Director will email students scheduled for this elective, the week prior to the rotation, with orientation information. Please contact Ms. Ballard for more information.

Evaluation

Uniform Clinical Evaluation, participation, physical examination skills

Description

This elective course is designed to introduce the medical student to Physical Medicine Rehabilitation (PM&R), also known as Physiatry. The role of a PM&R physician or Physiatrist is to utilize evidence-based medicine to assist those with acute and chronic functional impairment to maximize recovery and independence. Physiatrists lead a multidisciplinary group to achieve the patient's goals of recovery, maximal functional improvement and independence in the community.

The student will have exposure to patients on the hospital ward as well as the outpatient clinics. Didactic sessions and clinical guidance will be utilized to give the student understanding of the basics of Physiatry while concentrating on the multi-system exam that underlies an individual’s function. The student will be expected to be present Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm. There is no call or weekends.

Course Learning Objectives:

By the end of this course, the student should be able to:

  1. Recognize the functional, medical, psychological, and social aspects of persons with acute and chronic physical and cognitive impairment including the impact on family/support and healthcare system.
  2. Perform with the musculoskeletal and neurological examinations.
  3. Describe the roles of the members of the rehabilitation team.
  4. Describe the specific collaborative roles the physiatrist holds in the healthcare continuum and future role in population health.
  5. Explain the approach a physiatrist takes to improve a patient's health, function and quality of life.
Additional Notes

Additional Reading Resources:

  • Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation by Randall Braddom
  • Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation: Principles and Practice by Joel DeLisa
  • Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Pocketpedia by Matthew Shatzer
  • PM&R Knowledge NOW

Locations:

Acute Rehabilitation Unit (ARU)
The George Washington University Hospital  
900 23rd Street NW, 4th Floor 
Washington, DC 20037  

Outpatient Clinic
The George Washington University Medical Faculty Associates 
2150 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, 7th Floor 
Washington, DC 20037

Orthopedics Clinic  
2300 M Street, 5th Floor  
Washington, DC 20037

Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC)  
2120 L Street, Basement Level  
Washington, DC 20037