Shadowing Dr. Duggal: Insights into Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Career
TL/DR –
The article interviews Dr. Kunwarjit Duggal, a physician who specialized in physical medicine and rehabilitation. He discusses aspects of his job, including working in subacute rehab in nursing homes and dealing with challenges such as insurers cutting benefits. Duggal emphasizes the importance of communication and being a team player in his field, and recommends two books by Rajinder Singh for medical students interested in his specialty.
Exploring a Career in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation with Dr. Duggal
Medical students exploring the world of physical medicine and rehabilitation can learn valuable insights from AMA member Dr. Kunwarjit Duggal, a renowned physician in this specialty. As part of the “Shadow Me” Specialty Series, Dr. Duggal shares his firsthand experiences and advice to help students determine if this career path aligns with their interests.
The AMA’s Specialty Guide assists students in navigating specialty selection. The guide provides comprehensive information on various specialties, training details, and resources from related associations. It is a service of FREIDA™, the trusted AMA Residency & Fellowship Database®. The guide also sheds light on the broad specialty of physical medicine and rehabilitation.
About Dr. Duggal’s Practice
Practicing physical medicine and rehabilitation for 12 years, Dr. Duggal works in a subacute rehab setting within nursing homes. He is employed by Medrina in Chicago, which is a part of the AMA Health System Member Program. Dr. Duggal’s typical week consists of visits to 2-4 nursing homes daily from Monday to Thursday, with several hours of paperwork and chart checking from his home office.
The most rewarding aspect of Dr. Duggal’s work is witnessing patients regain their lives with improved function, while the most challenging part is dealing with insurers who cut benefits, leaving patients in need. In terms of burnout, Dr. Duggal notes it can be significant for physicians, especially in subacute rehab facilities with limited resources.
Staying Balanced and Effective
Dr. Duggal praises Medrina for its support in reducing physician burnout. He appreciates the autonomy provided by his employer, which allows him to balance his work and life effectively. He emphasizes the importance of communication skills, which are key in a rehab setting, but not assessed during board exams. He recommends medical students interested in physical medicine and rehabilitation to read “Detox the Mind” and “Meditation as Medication for the Soul” by Rajinder Singh.
In Dr. Duggal’s view, students considering this specialty should ask themselves how they can contribute to the greater good. His advice is to comprehend what other health professionals can provide and collaborate with experts from different fields. This approach, he believes, benefits both patients and facilities.
For more insights on physical medicine and rehabilitation, visit FREIDA™.
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