Table 1.

Summary of the currently existing specialty programs for physical therapists and the proposed internal medicine specialty.

Specialty	Description
Cardiovascular and pulmonary	Focuses on physical function of cardiopulmonary system, specifically with those who have cardiopulmonary dysfunction
Acute care	Provide care for people with urgent medical conditions who need immediate medical attention
Clinical electrophysiology	Includes the use of electricity to monitor, measure, or produce physiological responses to evaluate, treat, and prevent human dysfunction
Geriatrics	Covers the needs of older adults and aging-related physical dysfunction
Neurology	Provides evaluation and treatment to individuals with movement problems caused by neurological disease or trauma
Oncology	Involves physical therapy practice to maximize movement and well-being to individuals affected by cancer
Orthopedics	Provides care to the musculoskeletal system that involves bones, muscles, joint, tendons, and other soft tissues following an injury
Pediatrics	Helps improve range of motion, strength, flexibility, and movement pattern in children affected by various diagnoses and injuries
Sports	Works with athletes to restore function, mobility, and strength following sport-related injury
Women's health	Provides expert treatment for pelvic floor dysfunction and obstetrical care
Wound management	Delivers wound care to patients in hospitals and outpatient setting utilizing wound care protocols and using unique therapeutic modalities
Internal medicine	Allows expert to identify early signs of systemic diseases, implement targeted interventions, and enhance patient outcomes through comprehensive, multidisciplinary care