Physiatrists and Lifestyle Medicine: A New Path for Residents?

Lifestyle habits, like smoking or lack of exercise, can lead to health problems. Lifestyle Medicine (LM) is a way to prevent and treat these issues by changing habits. Doctors who specialize in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) focus on helping people live better lives after injury or illness. A recent study looked into how much PM&R residents know about LM and if they think PM&R doctors should lead in this area.

The study was done by asking PM&R residents across the USA about their experiences and thoughts on LM. Only about half of them had heard of LM. Interestingly, many of their medical schools and residencies didn't teach LM. While they sometimes used LM ideas in patient care, the residents felt LM should be taught more. Over 70% believed PM&R doctors should be leaders in LM. This is the first time anyone has asked PM&R residents about LM. Even though they didn't learn much about LM, they still understood its importance. Most wanted more LM education and saw PM&R doctors as future leaders in this field.

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