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

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.