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Attending Physician - IP Coverage

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab · Chicago, IL · Full time

Posted Sep 30, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you disagreed with a colleague's plan while covering their patient.

What they are checking: Ability to act on patient safety while respecting a collaborative physician group.

What do you enjoy about inpatient rehab medicine, and what wears on you?

What they are checking: Self-awareness and real fit with the diverse inpatient practice the posting describes.

What would you do

You'd cover inpatients across a broad mix of diagnoses. Walk me through how you get up to speed on a unit full of patients you didn't admit.

What they are checking: Whether they can take over coverage safely, finding the sickest and most unstable patients first.

How do you hand off patients to the primary attending so nothing is lost?

What they are checking: Strong communication habits in a group where coverage passes between physicians.

How do you lead an interdisciplinary team conference so therapy, nursing and case management agree on goals?

What they are checking: Leadership of the rehab team, which is central to a physiatrist's role.

How do you talk with a family who expects more recovery than you think is likely?

What they are checking: Honest, compassionate prognosis conversations that keep hope realistic.

About the work

A spinal cord injury patient on coverage develops autonomic dysreflexia overnight. How do you manage it?

What they are checking: Confident handling of a classic rehab emergency that the covering physician must recognize fast.

How do you decide when an inpatient rehab patient needs to go back to acute care?

What they are checking: Judgment about medical instability and the risk of keeping a declining patient in rehab.

The role includes two half-day clinics a week and optional spasticity management. How do you approach a new spasticity evaluation?

What they are checking: Familiarity with oral medications, injections and how spasticity affects function and goals.

What medical complications do you watch for most closely in brain injury and stroke patients on rehab?

What they are checking: Awareness of common rehab complications like DVT, infection, seizures and swallowing problems.

How do you keep documentation strong enough to meet inpatient rehabilitation requirements?

What they are checking: Knowledge of the documentation rules that support rehab admission and continued stay.

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The full job description

As published by Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is the global leader in physical medicine and rehabilitation for adults and children with the most severe, complex conditions. By joining our team, you’ll be part of our life-changing mission and vision. You’ll contribute to an innovative, multifaceted culture that is second to none — one that embraces collaboration, excellence, discovery and compassion. You’ll play a role in something that’s never been done before as we integrate science and clinical care to help patients achieve better, faster outcomes — as we Advance Human Ability, together. Job Description Summary The Attending Physician will provide high quality patient care to inpatients and outpatients as assigned. This is the ideal job for the physiatrist who enjoys inpatient rehabilitation and diversity in their practice. The successful candidate will provide inpatient coverage for a collaborative and cohesive group of physicians at the Shirley Ryan Abilitylab, providing care to a broad spectrum of diagnosis while enjoying a clinical experience that spans the diversity of our patient population. In addition , clinical responsibilities will include two half-day clinics per week with new patient evaluations, follow-ups as appropriate and if desired spasticity management. By joining our team, you’ll be part of our life-changing Mission and Vision. You’ll work in a truly inclusive environment where diversity and equity are championed through words and actions. You’ll contribute to an innovative culture that is second to none, one that embraces curiosity, discovery and compassion. You’ll play a role in something that’s never been done before as we integrate science and clinical care to help patients achieve better, faster outcomes — as we Advance Human Ability, together. Job Description The Attending Physician will: The successful candidate will become a member of the medical staff with a faculty appointment in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. In this role they will participate in the education and training of “Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Residents potentially on inpatient and outpatient rotations and in their didactic curriculum. The Shirley Ryan AbilityLab has a well-established structure to support research and scholarly activity which is strongly encouraged. In addition to a collaborative clinical environment the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab has a robust benefits package which includes: • Access to Chicago's premier healthcare providers through our health, vision and dental plans. • Eligible to participate in the generous 401(k) plan. As an employee, you will be eligible to receive an employer contribution of 3% of your base compensation as well as an additional 3% match from SRAlab, the latter dependent on your level of contribution. • Eligible for numerous other important benefits, including Short and Long-Term Disability, Life Insurance, and a generous Paid Time Off Program. • Collaborates with leaders and staff in other Institute Programs to facilitate achievement of overall Institute goals. • Serves as a practicing physician and provides medical leadership to the interdisciplinary team. • In the role of a practicing Physician, ensures the appropriateness and effectiveness of the treatment plan. Oversees and coordinates the involvement of physicians, nursing and allied health staff to resolve complex medical problems. • Actively participates in assigned medical staff committees including providing leadership by functioning as chairperson as appropriate. • Perform all other duties that may be assigned in the best interest of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. Reporting Relationships : • Reports directly to the Inpatient Coverage Medical Director or the Chief of Medical Affairs as appropriate Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required : • Licensed to practice medicine in the State of Illinois. • Successful completion of a residency program in physical medicine and rehabilitation and is Board certified or Board Eligible. • Faculty appointment at Northwestern University Medical School. • Excellent communications and interdisciplinary skills required, including proven ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, referring parties, SRAlab and other internal and external stakeholders. Working Conditions: • Normal office environment with little or no exposure to dust or extreme temperature. Pay and Benefits*: Pay Range: $250,000.00 annually - $350,000.00 annually Benefits: Shirley Ryan AbilityLab offers a comprehensive benefits program that is competitive with our industry peers in our geographic locations: https://www.sralab.org/benefits *Benefits and benefits’ eligibility can vary by position. Actual compensation will vary based on applicant’s experience and qualifications, as well as internal equity. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Equal Employment Opportunity Employer Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunity without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin or ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, order of protection status, unfavorable discharge from military service, or any other characteristics protected by law. EEO is the Law | EEO is the Law - Know Your Rights | View our Full Policy Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is an Affirmative Action Employer as required by law.

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