A physiatrist, also known as a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) physician, is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions that affect the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. They provide a full spectrum of care, from diagnosis to treatment and rehabilitation, to restore maximum health and quality of life. Physiatrists are trained to focus on the whole patient and how each of the body’s major organ systems impact function. They help patients achieve maximum function and the highest quality of life possible. Physiatrists may be subspecialty certified in Brain Injury Medicine, Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Neuromuscular Medicine, Pain Medicine, Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, Spinal Cord Injury Medicine, and/or Sports Medicine. They design a treatment plan to improve the patients quality of life, whether pain or discomfort stems from chronic health conditions, aging-related mobility issues, or short-term pain from an injury. Physiatrists may also act as a consultant to physicians, such as primary care physicians and neurologists, or lead a team of medical professionals to optimize a patient’s treatment.