The general internist will be responsible for care of many patients who may have suffered

neuro-musculoskeletal system impairments that have resulted in residual disability. As a

primary care provider, the general internist will need to be aware of the effects of such

disabilities on other body systems and on the patient's ability to perform the routine

activities of daily living and to fulfill various societal roles. The general internist will

have the crucial role of ensuring continuity of care when the patient with multiple

medical problems requires intervention from many health care professionals.

See Also: Occupational Medicine, Musculoskeletal Medicine, Legal Medicine,

Neurology, Geriatrics, and Nursing Home.

-Know the difference among impairment,disability, and handicap

-Know how to diagnose and manage the common musculoskeletal disorders, including fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, repetitive motion

disorders, and overuse syndromes

-Know how to recognize the complications of prolonged bed rest (contractures, pressure sores, deep venous thrombosis, osteoporosis, muscular

deconditioning, and others)

-Be able to describe various physical medicine treatment modalities, including diathermy, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and others

-Know the physiologic effects of aerobic exercise

-Know the various types of therapeutic exercises

-Be able to describe the health care team for rehabilitative medicine and the roles of allied health professionals (for example, physical

therapist, occupational therapist, psychologist, speech and language pathologist, prosthetist, orthotist, and others)

-Know when to use the various assistive devices that may reduce disability, including wheelchairs, prosthetics, orthotics, and others

-Know the principles of evaluation and management of chronic pain

-Know the methods for minimizing long-term disability from acute illnesses (for example, prophylaxis against venous thrombosis, bed

sores, contractures)

-Be able to assess the effects of impairment on a patient’s daily function