Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department (PMR Dept)

Physical Medicine Department in Kilpauk Medical College:

Though the specialty is existent for a more than quarter a century in India, Physical Medicine department is a nascent department as far as Kilpauk Medical College and Hospital is concerned. It started functioning as an independent department from August 2006 with a creation of a post of Associate professor in Physical Medicine. Since then it is functioning effectively to cater the needs of the people in and around the vicinity.

Present staff of the Department:

  Dr.P.Thirunavukkarasu.  MBBS., D.Ortho, D.Phys.Med, DNB (PM&R) Associate professor, and Head of the Department

He presently holds the Post of Chairman, Board of Studies, (Physiotherapy), The Tamilnadu Dr.MGR Medical University, Guindy, Chennai.

Presently acts as a Staff Advisor to the “Student’s Council” of Kilpauk Medical College and guides the students in conducting various cultural programs. Recently assisted the students to conduct an Intra college cultural festival – “Vanavil – 2010” successfully

Presented a paper on “Electrotherapy - Evidence based – a Review” during the Midterm IAPMR Conference in August – 2009 held at Coimbatore.

Conducted a CME “Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation – Contents and Concepts – An overview” for Undergraduates in October 6, 2009

Presided as a co-chairman for a interesting Neurorehabilitation session with faculty from abroad and various parts of India during the International congress on Neurology and Rehabilitation, in Goa on 24th April, 2010.

Gives guest lectures in various meetings, Orthopedics CMEs regularly as a faculty

Physiotherapists:

  Mrs.Thenmozhi. BPT  Senior Physiotherapist

Has obtained the Best staff award from the Dean, KMC in 2007

  Mrs.Thenmozhi. BPT  Physiotherapist

Has also got Best staff award from the Dean, KMC in 2008

Services Provided:

  Out patient services
  On call service to all the inpatient wards – Our therapists visit the ward and execute a physiotherapy program according to the disease conditions till the patient is discharged. Patients are brought to the Out patient department, if required depending upon their physiotherapy requirements.

Physiotherapy services.

   Electrotherapy The department has all the electrotherapy equipments, like Shortwave diathermy, Ultrasound therapy, Interferential therapy, TENS, Electrical muscle stimulation, Wax therapy, Cervical and Pelvic Traction

   Exercise therapy  The department also has provisions for suspension therapy with pulley and weights, Mannel’apparatus, Parallel bar with mirror, Sliding seat, wrist exerciser and provisions for mat exercises for children

Disability evaluation:

During the weekly medical boards, eligible patients who require Disability certificates are evaluated and certificates are issued accordingly by the team of doctors. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation doctors are also a member of the team.

Academic services:

MBBS :
As per MCI guidelines for the Undergraduate (MBBS) medical education, 2 (two) weeks of clinical posting is essential during their training and a syllabus imparting knowledge about

   Physiatric evaluation and management of orthopedic conditions
   Physiatric evaluation and management of common neurological conditions
   Knowledge about physical modalities of treatment
   Knowledge about the Orthotic and prosthetic (artificial limb fabrication) services has been devised.

This is to impart knowledge about Physical Medicine particularly about the Disability management and will sensitize them about the available treatment options and welfare programs of the government for the differently abled upliftment.

Physical Medicine department get 2 weeks undergraduates posting during their IInd year of MBBS training and 1 week of posting during the CRRI training.

Allied Health Professional training:

BPT internees from private physiotherapy colleges get posted to our department for training in various clinical departments. Periodic subject seminars are conducted as part of the training program and internees are trained to present on their chosen topic for 15 – 20 minutes. An in depth discussion of chosen topic will be done with an emphasis on interactive session with the active participation of the interns.

Issues initiated by the Physical Medicine Department and pending at various levels with the Government:

   I like to bring to your kind notice that sanctioning of a complete Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation department comprising of 2 Asst Prof, one Tutor, Occupational therapists, Speech therapists, Vocational counselors, Clinical Psychologist, Orthotic and Prosthetic technicians, Multipurpose health workers, Medical Social worker – to be sanctioned by the government is presently being dealt at secretariat for approval.

   In view of the enormous load being taken up by the Physical therapists, (at present we have 2 physiotherapists only) Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation department has taken initiativeto sanction 7 more posts with appropriate justifications for the same. This is presently dealt at the Secretariat, awaiting assessment and approval.

   An initiative by the DGHS, New Delhi, to start and develop Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation department, the Directorate chose Govt Kilpauk Medical College as one of the Institution and we have submitted the necessary requirements on the part of the Department in February 2011 to the Government.

Future plans:

Proposals have been submitted for a larger space and increased sanctioning of staff personnel and other members of the rehabilitation team with an intention to start specialized services like

   Stroke rehabilitation clinics.
   Sports injury rehabilitation.
   Cerebral palsy clinics
   Amputation rehabilitation clinics