Pathways to certifications in physical medicine and rehabilitation in the United States: past, present, and future.

This article describes the certification pathways for Physiatrists in the United States, reviews the licensure, certification and accreditation pathways for rehabilitation facilities in the United States, examines the evolving models of health care in the United States, evaluates the impact of health care reform within the United States with particular emphasis on the intrinsic value of Physiatric services, and discusses how the intersection of certification, accreditation and emerging models of care in the United States present opportunities for Physiatrists instead of threats. These principles and practices should be relevant to Physiatrists and physiatric programs globally.