Inpatient Rehabilitation Medicine Physician (Physiatrist)

Department

Inpatient Rehabilitation Services

Position Summary

Southcoast Health is seeking a Board Certified/Board Eligible Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Physician (Physiatrist) to join our inpatient rehabilitation team. The Physiatrist will provide comprehensive medical management and rehabilitation oversight for patients recovering from acute illness, injury, surgery, stroke, neurological disorders, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and other disabling conditions.

Working collaboratively with an interdisciplinary rehabilitation team, the physician will lead efforts to maximize functional recovery, restore independence, coordinate safe discharge planning, and improve quality of life for patients admitted to the inpatient rehabilitation program. Physiatrists play a critical role in directing comprehensive rehabilitation care and ensuring patients achieve their highest level of function.

Essential Responsibilities

Inpatient Rehabilitation Medical Management

• Serve as the physician for patients admitted to the inpatient rehabilitation unit. -
• Conduct comprehensive admission evaluations and establish individualized rehabilitation plans of care.
• Share ongoing medical management throughout the rehabilitation stay with Hospitalists.
• Perform patient rounding to meet regulatory requirements and monitor progress toward functional goals.
• Evaluate and manage medical comorbidities that may impact rehabilitation outcomes.
• Coordinate care with Hospitalists and specialists as appropriate.

Functional Assessment & Treatment Planning

• Assess impairments affecting mobility, self-care, cognition, communication, swallowing, and activities of daily living.
• Establish realistic rehabilitation goals and expected outcomes.
• Develop and oversee individualized rehabilitation treatment programs.
• Prescribe and manage rehabilitation therapies, adaptive equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, mobility devices, and assistive technologies.
• Adjust rehabilitation plans based on patient progress and clinical needs.

Leadership of the Interdisciplinary Care Team

• Lead weekly interdisciplinary team conferences.
• Collaborate closely with:
• Physical Therapists
• Occupational Therapists
• Speech-Language Pathologists
• Rehabilitation Nurses
• Case Managers
• Social Workers
• Consulting Specialists
• Pharmacy
• Psychiatry
• Ensure coordinated, patient-centered care throughout the rehabilitation episode.

Neurologic, Musculoskeletal & Pain Management

• Manage rehabilitation needs for patients with:
• Stroke
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
• Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)
• Multiple Sclerosis and Neuromuscular Disorders
• Amputation
• Orthopedic Trauma
• Debility Following Critical Illness
• Chronic Pain and Functional Limitations
• Evaluate and treat spasticity, mobility impairments, bowel and bladder dysfunction, neuropathic pain, and other rehabilitation-related conditions.

Care Coordination & Discharge Planning

• Participate in discharge planning and transitions of care.
• Collaborate with patients, families, post-acute providers, and community resources to ensure safe discharge and continuity of care.
• Determine functional readiness for discharge and recommend appropriate levels of ongoing rehabilitation services.

Patient & Family Education

• Educate patients and caregivers regarding medical diagnoses, rehabilitation goals, recovery expectations, and ongoing care needs.
• Promote patient engagement, self-management skills, and long-term functional independence.
• Provide guidance regarding adaptive strategies and community resources.

Quality, Compliance & Program Development

• Maintain timely, accurate, and compliant medical documentation.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives and regulatory readiness activities.
• Support development and growth of inpatient rehabilitation services.
• Participate in teaching, clinical education, and community outreach activities as appropriate.

Qualifications

Required

• MD or DO degree from an accredited medical school.
• Completion of an ACGME-accredited Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation residency.
• Board Certified or Board Eligible in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation.
• Eligibility for unrestricted Massachusetts medical licensure.
• DEA certification and ability to obtain Southcoast Health medical staff privileges.

Preferred

• Experience in inpatient rehabilitation medicine.
• Interest or expertise in:
• Stroke Rehabilitation
• Brain Injury Rehabilitation
• Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation
• Neurorehabilitation
• Amputee Rehabilitation
• Complex Medical Rehabilitation
• Experience leading interdisciplinary rehabilitation teams.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong clinical and diagnostic skills in rehabilitation medicine.
• Demonstrated leadership in multidisciplinary team settings.
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.
• Commitment to patient-centered, evidence-based care.
• Passion for improving functional outcomes and quality of life for patients recovering from serious illness or injury.

Southcoast Health Opportunity

Join Southcoast Health's multidisciplinary rehabilitation team and help patients regain independence and function following life-changing injuries and illnesses. This position offers the opportunity to work in a collaborative, physician-led environment dedicated to excellence in rehabilitation care, quality outcomes, and patient experience.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and CV to:

Holly Lestage

Email: lestageh@southcoast.org

Cell: 508-525-3585

In your cover letter, please highlight your relevant experience, clinical interests, and why you are interested in joining the Southcoast Health team.