Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in Latin America: Development and Current Status

Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am. 2019 Nov;30(4):749-755. doi: 10.1016/j.pmr.2019.07.001. Epub 2019 Sep 3.

Abstract

Disability disproportionately affects women, older individuals, and ethnic minorities in low-income countries, many of which are located in Latin America. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) is the medical specialty that manages disability and works on restoring function, and over the past 6 decades has significantly expanded its importance in Latin America. The specialty has developed graduate and postgraduate educational programs, provides services to individuals of all ages in inpatient and outpatient settings, has increased its research productivity, and has become an advocate for patients with disabling conditions, which has resulted in improved access to care for many patients.

Keywords: Clinical activities; Education; Latin America; Physical medicine; Rehabilitation.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Delivery of Health Care
  • Developing Countries
  • Evidence-Based Medicine
  • Health Policy
  • Health Services Accessibility*
  • Humans
  • Internship, Nonmedical*
  • Latin America
  • National Health Programs*
  • Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine / education*
  • World Health Organization