Similar careers
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.
A Rehabilitation Physician, also known as a Physiatrist, is a medical doctor who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation. Their focus is on restoring function to people with physical impairments or disabilities affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons.
Education: Doctoral or professional degree
Years in related career: None
On-the-job training: Internship/residency
Projected Growth: 3.0% (average)
Annual job openings: 9 600
Direct AI exposure: 0% of tasks
Potential AI exposure: 27% of tasks
| Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2025 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is General Practitioners and Family Physicians. According to the wage tables, average income is $232K per year. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom 10% | Bottom 25% | Median (average) | Top 25% | Top 10% |
| $91K per year | NA per year | $232K per year | NA per year | $435K per year |
| Compared to other careers: Median is $167K above the national average. | ||||
Rehabilitation Physicians work in various settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, clinics, and private practices. They may also work in academic and research settings. Their environment is typically collaborative, involving work with a team of healthcare professionals, such as physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists.
Rehabilitation Physicians play a vital role in healthcare by helping patients regain function and quality of life. Their expertise lies in understanding how different medical conditions affect physical function and designing comprehensive treatment plans that address the unique needs of each patient. These plans often involve a variety of therapies and may include medication management, physical interventions, and assistive devices.
Their work requires not only a broad medical knowledge but also a deep understanding of how physical impairments impact daily life. Rehabilitation Physicians must be excellent communicators and collaborators, as they often lead multidisciplinary teams and work closely with patients and their families. They need to be empathetic and patient, with a strong focus on helping patients achieve their maximum potential.
The field is diverse, allowing physicians to work with patients of all ages with a variety of medical issues, from sports injuries to chronic illnesses and major traumas. It combines clinical and diagnostic skills with a problem-solving approach to improve patient outcomes.
In Canada, becoming a Rehabilitation Physician (Physiatrist) typically involves completing four years of undergraduate education, followed by four years of medical school leading to a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree. Graduates then complete a five-year residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, after which some pursue additional fellowship training to further specialize.
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.
