The field of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (P.M.& R.) began in the 1930’s to address musculoskeletal and neurological problems.  It broadened in scope considerably after World War II.  As thousands of veterans came back home with serious disabilities, the task of helping to restore them to productive lives became a new direction for the field.  The Advisory board of Medical Specialties granted P.M.& R. it’s approval as a specialty of medicine in 1947.