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Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physicians

SOC 29-1229.04Job Zone 5 · Extensive Preparationv.26.05

Context coveredThis framework covers the full scope of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (Physiatry) practice across inpatient rehabilitation units, outpatient clinics, electrodiagnostic laboratories, pain management programs, and academic medical centers, from supervised residency-level care through executive clinical leadership.

Sources:O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.SkillsCrosswalkSkillsCrosswalk — O*NET enrichment + adjacency index. Opens in new tab.
Emerging
Entry / Apprentice
  1. Patient mobility and strength assessments — conduct under attending physician supervision using standardized examination protocols in an inpatient rehabilitation unit.
  2. Pain characteristics including intensity, location, and duration — document using validated clinical scales under direct guidance in an acute care or outpatient clinic setting.
  3. Examination findings and initial treatment observations — record accurately in electronic health records under supervision in a hospital-based physiatry practice.
  4. Neuromuscular and musculoskeletal history — gather through structured patient interviews with attending oversight in a rehabilitation medicine clinic.
  5. Standardized electrodiagnostic procedures including electromyography — perform foundational components under direct supervision in a supervised electrodiagnostic laboratory.
  6. Rehabilitation care plans — assist in drafting initial components including therapeutic exercise and occupational therapy referrals under senior physician direction.
  7. Pain management interventions such as oral medications — monitor basic patient responses and report findings to supervising physiatrists in an inpatient setting.
  8. Medical software and electronic health record systems — utilize to retrieve patient data and enter clinical notes under structured orientation in a physiatry department.
  9. Interdisciplinary rehabilitation team communications — participate in structured case conferences under attending guidance in an acute inpatient rehabilitation facility.
  10. Physiatric literature and clinical guidelines — review and apply foundational evidence to patient care questions under faculty mentorship during residency training.
Developing
Mid-level / Established
  1. Patient mobility, strength, cognition, and communication deficits — assess independently using systematic physical and functional examinations in outpatient and inpatient rehabilitation settings.
  2. Acute and chronic pain presentations — evaluate using standardized clinical measures and formulate differential diagnoses with reduced oversight in a physiatry clinic.
  3. Medical management of neuromuscular disorders and musculoskeletal trauma — provide routine inpatient and outpatient care with limited supervision in a rehabilitation hospital.
  4. Comprehensive rehabilitation plans incorporating therapeutic exercise, speech therapy, and caregiver education — develop for straightforward cases in an acute inpatient rehabilitation facility.
  5. Electromyography and nerve conduction studies — perform and interpret independently for common neuromuscular conditions in an established electrodiagnostic laboratory.
  6. Pain management interventions including spinal injections — administer and monitor effectiveness using structured protocols in a pain management or physiatry clinic.
  7. Patient documentation including examination results, treatment plans, and outcomes — complete accurately and efficiently using electronic medical record systems in a high-volume practice.
  8. Physical medicine and rehabilitation services — coordinate with orthopedics, neurology, and primary care teams to support continuity of care in a multidisciplinary hospital setting.
  9. Patient and family education regarding rehabilitation goals and community reintegration strategies — deliver clearly and empathetically in outpatient and inpatient contexts.
  10. Outcome monitoring data — analyze to evaluate treatment effectiveness and adjust rehabilitation plans for familiar diagnostic categories in a physiatry practice.
Proficient
Senior / Expert IC
  1. Complex neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, cardiac, and pulmonary disabling conditions — manage comprehensively across inpatient and outpatient settings without oversight in a full-scope physiatry practice.
  2. Multidimensional pain assessments including intensity, temporal patterns, and functional impact — synthesize with clinical history to guide individualized management in challenging or ambiguous presentations.
  3. Advanced electrodiagnostic studies including somatosensory evoked potentials — perform and interpret autonomously for rare or diagnostically complex neuromuscular disorders in a tertiary rehabilitation center.
  4. Long-term rehabilitation plans integrating cognitive retraining, counseling, and community reintegration — develop independently for patients with polytrauma, amputation, or acquired brain injury.
  5. Non-routine pain management interventions — evaluate efficacy, modify regimens, and pivot strategies for refractory cases in an interdisciplinary pain rehabilitation program.
  6. Rehabilitation services integration across surgical, medical, and behavioral health disciplines — lead coordination to ensure seamless, patient-centered care in a complex academic medical center.
  7. Prognostic communication regarding functional recovery and quality of life — deliver with clinical precision and empathy to patients, families, and caregivers facing life-altering conditions.
  8. Clinical problem-solving for atypical or rare physiatric presentations — apply inductive and deductive reasoning to formulate accurate diagnoses and treatment strategies independently.
  9. Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines in physical medicine and rehabilitation — critically appraise and incorporate into individualized treatment protocols across a full patient caseload.
  10. Outcomes data from rehabilitation episodes — interpret systematically to refine practice patterns and contribute clinical insights to departmental quality improvement initiatives.
Advanced
Lead / Principal / Executive
  1. Organizational vision for physical medicine and rehabilitation services — establish and communicate strategic priorities that elevate patient outcomes at a health system or academic medical center level.
  2. Physiatric competency frameworks and training curricula — design and implement for residents and fellows to advance specialty-wide standards of electrodiagnostic and clinical practice.
  3. System-level pain management and rehabilitation protocols — develop evidence-based policies that standardize high-quality care across multiple clinical sites or a regional hospital network.
  4. Complex interdisciplinary rehabilitation programs addressing amputation, spinal cord injury, or neurological recovery — lead the design and continuous improvement of comprehensive service lines.
  5. Institutional research agendas in physiatry — direct investigative programs that generate new knowledge in neuromuscular disorders, functional restoration, or chronic pain management.
  6. Health system partnerships among rehabilitation, acute care, and community reintegration services — negotiate and sustain collaborative structures that optimize longitudinal patient care pathways.
  7. Emerging electrodiagnostic technologies and rehabilitative interventions — evaluate, advocate for, and integrate into institutional practice to maintain state-of-the-art clinical capabilities.
  8. Departmental and divisional performance metrics including patient outcomes, safety, and throughput — monitor at an executive level and lead data-driven quality and safety transformations.
  9. Professional and public health policy affecting patients with disabling conditions — influence through expert testimony, advisory roles, and advocacy at regulatory or legislative forums.
  10. Culture of empathy, integrity, and interdisciplinary collaboration — model and cultivate across physiatry faculty, trainees, and allied health staff to sustain a high-performing rehabilitation enterprise.

AI-at-Work Competency Framework

Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Authoritative source data identified for 998 occupations

How a worker at each mastery level uses, directs, and evaluates AI tools in this occupation. Each statement cites its evidence inline; click a citation chip to verify the source.

Emerging
  1. AI-assisted clinical documentation — uses AI drafting tools to generate initial SOAP notes and discharge summaries from structured inputs, then reviews and edits every clinical detail before signing Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  2. Rehabilitation literature retrieval — queries AI tools to surface evidence-based guidelines for neuromuscular and musculoskeletal conditions, verifying each recommendation against peer-reviewed sources before application.
Developing
  1. Pain assessment support — directs an AI tool to cross-reference standardized pain scale scores with patient history and flag inconsistencies, while retaining independent clinical judgment on diagnosis and treatment direction Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  2. Treatment plan drafting — uses AI to generate draft rehabilitation protocols for common conditions such as stroke or amputation, then customizes every protocol element to the individual patient's functional goals and comorbidities WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  3. Medical coding and billing assistance — delegates procedural and diagnostic coding suggestions to an AI assistant, then audits each code against the documented clinical findings before submission.
Proficient
  1. Differential diagnosis refinement — presents structured patient data to an AI reasoning tool to surface less common diagnoses in complex physiatry cases, applying critical thinking to weigh AI-generated differentials against direct physical examination findings Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  2. Outcome tracking and trend analysis — instructs an AI tool to aggregate longitudinal functional outcome measures across a patient panel, then interprets the resulting patterns to adjust rehabilitation intensity and goals WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  3. Spinal injection monitoring — tasks an AI tool with synthesizing post-procedure pain scores and functional assessments into trend summaries, using the output to inform evidence-based decisions on intervention continuation or escalation Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  4. Patient communication drafting — uses AI to produce plain-language education materials and after-visit summaries tailored to a patient's specific condition and literacy level, reviewing every output for clinical accuracy and empathetic tone before distribution.
Advanced
  1. AI-assisted care pathway design — leads the design and validation of AI-integrated clinical workflows for inpatient rehabilitation units, establishing human oversight checkpoints where physiatric judgment is non-negotiable and automation feasibility is limited Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  2. Critical evaluation of AI diagnostic tools — appraises the clinical validity and bias risks of AI decision-support systems deployed in physical medicine settings, advising institutional leadership on appropriate scope, contraindications, and monitoring protocols Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  3. Predictive rehabilitation modeling — directs AI models to predict functional recovery trajectories for patients with cardiac, pulmonary, or neurological conditions, integrating predictions with clinical expertise and patient-centered values to set individualized rehabilitation benchmarks WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  4. AI governance and training leadership — develops institutional standards for responsible AI use in physiatry practice, mentoring residents and mid-level practitioners on discriminating AI-generated clinical content from verified clinical evidence Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
Evidence pack
SAFI positioning
Top skill: Critical Thinking
Score: 57.9 / 100
precision: category_estimate
WEF cluster
Human-Technology Interaction
human_technology_interaction
Sources:Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.

Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework

Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Ten durable-skill domains mapped to four proficiency/role levels for each occupation. Each statement is aligned to the Pathsmith taxonomy, derived from trusted grounding data and mapped to occupation-specific O*NET tasks and skills.

1Communication11 statements
Emerging
  1. Patient history intake — elicits basic symptom descriptions and functional limitations through structured verbal interview with new rehabilitation patients Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Documentation basics — records examination findings and initial treatment plans in medical charts using standard clinical terminology O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Rehabilitation plan explanation — conveys goals of therapeutic exercise, occupational therapy, and community reintegration plans to patients and families using accessible language Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Interdisciplinary reporting — communicates patient mobility, strength, and cognition assessment results to physical and occupational therapy team members in structured handoffs O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Pain characterization dialogue — guides patients through standardized pain intensity, location, and duration assessments while maintaining clear bidirectional communication O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Family and caregiver education — delivers comprehensive instruction on home management of neuromuscular or musculoskeletal conditions, adapting complexity to caregiver literacy and emotional state Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Electrodiagnostic findings communication — translates electromyography and nerve conduction study results into clinically actionable summaries for referring physicians and non-specialist colleagues O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Multidisciplinary care coordination — synthesizes and communicates rehabilitation service updates across neurology, orthopedics, psychology, and social work teams in case conferences O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Complex prognostic counseling — leads difficult conversations with patients and families regarding long-term functional outcomes following amputation, spinal cord injury, or acquired brain injury, balancing clinical honesty with therapeutic hope Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Trainee communication mentorship — models and teaches structured clinical communication techniques including motivational interviewing and teach-back methods to PM&R residents and fellows Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Systemic advocacy writing — authors clinical guidelines, policy briefs, or peer-reviewed manuscripts that advance evidence-based PM&R practice standards at institutional or national levels Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
2Leadership10 statements
Emerging
  1. Care plan ownership — accepts responsibility for initiating and documenting individual patient rehabilitation plans under attending supervision Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Team role awareness — identifies the distinct contributions of physiatrists, therapists, and nurses within the rehabilitation team structure Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Rehabilitation team coordination — directs scheduling and prioritization of physical, occupational, and speech therapy services for assigned inpatient caseloads Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Patient goal-setting facilitation — leads goal-setting discussions with patients and caregivers to align rehabilitation milestones with personal functional priorities O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Interdisciplinary team leadership — chairs weekly rehabilitation team meetings, synthesizing input from therapy, nursing, social work, and psychology to drive unified care decisions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Clinical protocol stewardship — takes accountability for implementing evidence-based pain management and functional restoration protocols across a rehabilitation unit O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Resident supervision — provides direct oversight and formative feedback to residents performing electrodiagnostic procedures and patient assessments Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Program development leadership — designs and operationalizes new rehabilitation service lines, such as spinal cord injury or cardiac rehabilitation programs, coordinating staffing, training, and quality metrics Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Organizational quality leadership — leads institutional initiatives to reduce avoidable hospital readmissions among rehabilitation patients through systems-level process improvement Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Specialty advocacy leadership — represents PM&R perspectives on institutional medical executive committees or national specialty societies, shaping workforce and practice policies Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
3Metacognition8 statements
Emerging
  1. Diagnostic uncertainty recognition — identifies gaps in own knowledge when encountering atypical neuromuscular presentations and seeks attending guidance before proceeding Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Procedural self-monitoring — reflects on accuracy and technique during initial electrodiagnostic studies to identify areas requiring supervised repetition Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Clinical reasoning reflection — reviews own diagnostic logic after unexpected treatment outcomes to identify flawed assumptions in musculoskeletal or pain assessments Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Learning strategy calibration — selects targeted study approaches for electrodiagnosis, neuromusculoskeletal anatomy, or spinal injection techniques based on self-assessed competency gaps Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Bias awareness in pain assessment — monitors own clinical tendencies for under- or over-attributing pain severity across patient demographics and adjusts assessment approach accordingly Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Rehabilitation complexity appraisal — evaluates own capacity to manage concurrent comorbidities in complex cases and proactively escalates or consults when cognitive load exceeds reliable judgment Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Metacognitive modeling for trainees — explicitly articulates own diagnostic reasoning processes, including uncertainty and self-correction, to teach reflective clinical thinking to PM&R residents Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Practice pattern audit — systematically reviews own patient outcomes and prescribing patterns against specialty benchmarks, identifying and correcting systematic deviations in rehabilitation care Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
4Critical Thinking11 statements
Emerging
  1. Differential generation — constructs initial differential diagnoses for common presentations of acute musculoskeletal trauma or peripheral neuropathy using clinical examination findings Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Evidence identification — locates and reads primary literature to answer focused clinical questions about rehabilitation interventions for assigned patients O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Electrodiagnostic interpretation — analyzes electromyography and nerve conduction study data to distinguish radiculopathy, plexopathy, and peripheral neuropathy based on pattern recognition and anatomical reasoning O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Pain etiology analysis — evaluates competing nociceptive, neuropathic, and centralized pain mechanisms using standardized clinical measures and patient history to guide management O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Treatment response evaluation — assesses effectiveness of spinal injections and pharmacological pain management interventions against baseline functional and pain metrics O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Complex case synthesis — integrates imaging, electrodiagnostic, laboratory, and functional examination data to formulate rehabilitation diagnoses for patients with multisystem disabling conditions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Risk-benefit analysis — weighs procedural risks of interventional pain management against expected functional restoration outcomes for patients with cardiac, pulmonary, or neurological comorbidities Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Rehabilitation goal feasibility assessment — critically evaluates proposed long-term rehabilitation timelines against patient biology, psychosocial resources, and evidence-based recovery trajectories O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Diagnostic ambiguity resolution — leads systematic resolution of diagnostically complex neuromuscular cases where standard workup is inconclusive, applying advanced electrodiagnostic and clinical reasoning frameworks Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Evidence appraisal for protocol change — critically evaluates emerging research on rehabilitation modalities and adjunctive technologies, distinguishing clinically meaningful findings from statistical artifacts to inform practice updates Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Systems-level outcome analysis — examines rehabilitation unit performance data to identify patient subgroups with disproportionately poor outcomes, generating and testing explanatory hypotheses Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
5Collaboration10 statements
Emerging
  1. Therapy team integration — participates constructively in interdisciplinary rounds, sharing examination findings and listening to therapist updates on patient functional progress Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Referral cooperation — responds to and initiates referrals to neurology, orthopedics, and psychology with complete clinical context to support seamless care transitions O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Goal alignment across disciplines — reconciles differing therapy, nursing, and physician perspectives on patient rehabilitation goals to establish unified team-based care plans Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Caregiver integration — incorporates family and caregiver capabilities and constraints into collaborative rehabilitation planning discussions O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Cross-specialty care coordination — coordinates PM&R services with cardiology or pulmonology for patients undergoing cardiac or pulmonary rehabilitation, ensuring aligned medical management O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Conflict navigation in care teams — mediates disagreements between rehabilitation team members regarding functional goals or discharge readiness, facilitating evidence-based consensus Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Community reintegration planning — collaborates with social workers, vocational counselors, and community agencies to develop actionable post-discharge integration plans for patients with disabling conditions O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Shared decision-making facilitation — engages patients, caregivers, and multidisciplinary team members as equal participants in designing individualized rehabilitation programs Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Interprofessional education leadership — designs and delivers collaborative training experiences that build shared clinical reasoning skills across PM&R physicians, therapists, nurses, and psychologists Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Health system partnership development — builds collaborative relationships with community rehabilitation facilities, prosthetics vendors, and home health agencies to create seamless post-acute care networks Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
6Character9 statements
Emerging
  1. Patient dignity maintenance — approaches examinations of patients with mobility impairments, amputations, or cognitive deficits with consistent respect and preserves physical and emotional privacy Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Documentation integrity — records examination findings, treatment decisions, and patient outcomes accurately without omission or misrepresentation Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Informed consent accountability — ensures patients fully understand risks, benefits, and alternatives before procedures such as spinal injections or electrodiagnostic studies, without coercion Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Equitable pain assessment — applies standardized clinical pain measures consistently across patient populations, resisting assumptions based on demographics or presentation style Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Professional boundary maintenance — upholds appropriate therapeutic relationships with vulnerable rehabilitation patients experiencing long-term disability and high emotional dependence Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Accountability for adverse outcomes — discloses unexpected treatment results or procedural complications transparently to patients, families, and care teams, and initiates corrective action Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Ethical resource stewardship — allocates rehabilitation services, including inpatient beds and therapy hours, based on clinical need and evidence rather than external pressures Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Advocacy for underserved rehabilitation populations — publicly and institutionally champions equitable access to PM&R services for patients with disabilities, chronic pain, or limited insurance coverage Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Ethical leadership in complex cases — guides teams through ethically difficult decisions involving withdrawal of rehabilitation support, goals-of-care transitions, or contested disability determinations, modeling principled reasoning Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
7Creativity8 statements
Emerging
  1. Adaptive treatment brainstorming — generates alternative therapeutic approaches when standard interventions are contraindicated by patient comorbidities or physical limitations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Patient engagement innovation — proposes individualized motivational strategies to sustain patient engagement in rehabilitation programs that are progressing slowly Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Functional goal reimagining — develops novel functional outcome targets when traditional rehabilitation milestones are unreachable, aligning goals with patients' personal roles and life contexts Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Assistive technology application — identifies and triages emerging assistive devices, prosthetic technologies, or orthotics solutions for patients with complex functional deficits O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Multimodal pain program design — architects individualized combinations of pharmacological, interventional, behavioral, and physical rehabilitation strategies for patients with refractory chronic pain Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Rehabilitation protocol adaptation — modifies established rehabilitation protocols to address unusual presentations of neuromuscular disorders or post-surgical complications not covered by standard pathways Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Program innovation leadership — conceives and pilots novel rehabilitation care delivery models, such as telerehabilitation programs or community-based neuromuscular screening initiatives, with measurable outcome evaluation Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Clinical research design — develops original study designs to investigate understudied rehabilitation interventions or electrodiagnostic applications, advancing the PM&R evidence base Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
8Growth Mindset8 statements
Emerging
  1. Feedback receptivity — accepts and acts on corrective feedback from attending physiatrists regarding examination technique, electrodiagnostic interpretation, and documentation quality Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Challenge embrace in complex cases — persists in developing functional diagnoses for ambiguous neuromuscular presentations rather than defaulting to incomplete assessments Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Skill expansion in procedural techniques — pursues supervised practice of advanced electrodiagnostic and spinal injection procedures beyond comfort zone to expand clinical capabilities Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Learning from outcome variability — analyzes cases where rehabilitation outcomes fell short of expectations to extract transferable clinical lessons rather than attributing results solely to patient factors Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Continuous education integration — regularly incorporates new evidence on pain neuroscience, neuromodulation, and rehabilitation medicine into clinical practice through ongoing CME and literature review Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Setback reframing in patient care — maintains constructive clinical perspective when patients plateau or regress in rehabilitation, using functional data to recalibrate rather than abandon treatment goals Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Growth culture cultivation — establishes team norms within the rehabilitation unit that normalize learning from errors, celebrate incremental patient progress, and reward clinical curiosity over defensive practice Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Cross-disciplinary skill acquisition — systematically develops expertise in adjacent domains such as pain psychology, sports medicine, or neurorehabilitation technologies to expand scope and improve patient outcomes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
9Mindfulness8 statements
Emerging
  1. Attention management during assessment — maintains focused clinical attention during extended functional examinations of patients with complex or prolonged symptom histories Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Emotional regulation in distressing cases — recognizes and manages own emotional responses when working with patients newly disabled by trauma, stroke, or progressive neuromuscular disease Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Presence in patient encounters — sustains full attentional engagement during patient-reported pain and functional limitation histories without premature diagnostic closure Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Procedural intentionality — approaches electrodiagnostic and injection procedures with deliberate preparatory focus, reducing technical errors attributable to divided or rushed attention Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. High-volume caseload attention regulation — maintains consistent clinical thoroughness across high-volume inpatient rehabilitation caseloads by employing structured transition rituals between patient encounters Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Stress-responsive decision calibration — recognizes signs of cognitive fatigue or emotional reactivity during complex case management and adjusts decision-making pace or seeks consultation accordingly Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Mindfulness modeling for clinical team — teaches intentional attention management strategies to residents and allied health staff to reduce burnout and improve care quality in demanding rehabilitation environments Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Systemic compassion fatigue awareness — identifies and addresses compassion fatigue patterns within the rehabilitation team by creating structured opportunities for reflection, debriefing, and peer support Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
10Fortitude9 statements
Emerging
  1. Diagnostic persistence — continues systematic evaluation of patients with unclear or contested disability presentations rather than defaulting to premature diagnostic closure under time pressure Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Emotional endurance in chronic care — sustains therapeutic engagement with patients experiencing minimal functional recovery over extended rehabilitation timelines Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Adversarial case navigation — maintains clinical objectivity and professional composure when managing patients or families disputing rehabilitation progress assessments or disability determinations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Sustained procedural focus — persists through technically difficult electrodiagnostic procedures in patients with complicating factors such as severe obesity, edema, or uncooperative responses Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Complex chronic pain management persistence — sustains comprehensive, evidence-based treatment engagement with patients exhibiting chronic refractory pain and limited treatment response across months of management Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Systemic barrier confrontation — continues pursuing appropriate rehabilitation resources for patients facing insurance denials, facility limitations, or social barriers without abandoning clinical advocacy Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. High-stakes uncertainty tolerance — makes and stands behind clinical decisions regarding long-term rehabilitation prognosis under conditions of genuine diagnostic uncertainty and family pressure Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Institutional change perseverance — sustains multi-year efforts to reform rehabilitation care delivery systems, maintaining momentum through bureaucratic resistance, funding obstacles, and incremental setbacks Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Resilience modeling for trainees — shares personal narratives of clinical setbacks and recovery with residents and fellows, demonstrating that professional perseverance produces expertise and reinforcing a culture of sustained effort Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Show O*NET source anchors61 anchors · skillscrosswalk.com

O*NET enrichment · skillscrosswalk.com

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Source anchors that ground each statement

Related titles
DO Physician (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Physician) · Hospitalist Physician · Interventional Pain Physician · Interventional Physiatrist · MD (Medical Doctor) · Medical Director Acute Rehabilitation Unit Physiatrist · Medicine Physician · Pain Management Physician · Pain Medicine Physician · Pediatric Physiatrist · Physiatrist · Physiatrist Consultant
RAPIDS apprenticeships
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O*NET skills
Critical ThinkingSocial PerceptivenessReading ComprehensionSpeakingActive ListeningJudgment and Decision MakingMonitoringCoordinationComplex Problem SolvingWritingActive LearningService OrientationInstructingTime ManagementPersuasionScienceSystems EvaluationLearning StrategiesManagement of Personnel ResourcesSystems Analysis
Knowledge domains
Medicine and DentistryPsychologyBiologyTherapy and CounselingEducation and TrainingEnglish LanguageCustomer and Personal ServiceAdministration and ManagementPersonnel and Human ResourcesSociology and AnthropologyLaw and GovernmentChemistryComputers and ElectronicsMathematics
Abilities
Oral ExpressionInductive ReasoningProblem SensitivityDeductive ReasoningWritten ComprehensionOral ComprehensionWritten ExpressionInformation OrderingCategory FlexibilityNear Vision
Work styles
Attention to DetailDependabilityCautiousnessEmpathyCooperationIntegrity
Technology
Medical softwareElectronic mail softwareWord processing software
Tasks · seed anchors for statements
  1. Document examination results, treatment plans, and patients' outcomes.
  2. Examine patients to assess mobility, strength, communication, or cognition.
  3. Assess characteristics of patients' pain, such as intensity, location, or duration, using standardized clinical measures.
  4. Provide inpatient or outpatient medical management of neuromuscular disorders, musculoskeletal trauma, acute and chronic pain, deformity or amputation, cardiac or pulmonary disease, or other disabling conditions.
  5. Monitor effectiveness of pain management interventions, such as medication or spinal injections.
  6. Develop comprehensive plans for immediate and long-term rehabilitation, including therapeutic exercise, speech and occupational therapy, counseling, cognitive retraining, patient, family or caregiver education, or community reintegration.
  7. Coordinate physical medicine and rehabilitation services with other medical activities.
  8. Perform electrodiagnosis, including electromyography, nerve conduction studies, or somatosensory evoked potentials of neuromuscular disorders or damage.
CIP education codes
51.120151.120251.140361.010161.010561.010661.011361.011661.011861.012161.012261.012561.019961.020361.020561.020661.020861.020961.021061.021261.021361.021561.021661.021861.029961.030161.039961.080661.080761.080861.080961.081061.081261.081361.081461.081661.081861.089961.090161.090261.090361.090461.099961.130461.150261.150361.160161.169961.170161.170261.179961.180461.190261.200161.200261.209961.230161.230261.230361.239961.250161.259961.9999

Sources: O*NET v30.2 (CC BY 4.0), SkillsCrosswalk.com, LER.me, Anthropic Economic Index, SAFI (Jadhav & Danve, 2026), WEF Skills Taxonomy 2021, Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework. © 2026 EBSCOed.