The role of medical rehabilitation in vocational reentry

For many, successful vocational rehabilitation is the ultimate measure of the efficacy of rehabilitation efforts for survivors of acquired brain injury (ABI). Often, the physician's role is perceived as minimal to none in the context of ongoing work reentry efforts. This article will explore the physician's role in the postacute phase of care and in particular as germane to optimizing vocational reentry efforts. Traditional viewpoints regarding the role of the physician in long-term care of persons with ABI relative to the medical model of care will be reviewed. Methods by which the neurorehabilitation physician may optimize work reentry will be examined including exploring medical readiness for work, as well as addressing impairments that may produce functional disability and/or handicap in the workplace environment.