The history of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation dates back to 1931 when it was established as a separate specialty by the Royal Society of Medicine in UK. Dr. Frank Krusen the Father of PM&R first drew the importance of this specialty in the rehabilitation of thousands of wounded disable soldiers of 2nd World War. In 1947, the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation was formed through Dr. Krusen’s concept of “Rehabilitation is better than convalescence”.

In Bangladesh, the pioneer of PM&R is Prof. Dr. Quamrul Islam. This specialty has started its journey in 1969 when Prof. Quamrul Islam established the department in Dhaka Medical College Hospital after completing his post graduation on Physical Medicine from UK. Through his dynamic leadership PM&R has gained the momentum with the introduction of FCPS and MD courses in 1989 and 1998 respectively in Bangladesh. From January 2010 the MD course also started in Dhaka Medical College Hospital. So far about 88 Physiatrists have completed their post graduation in PM&R and are serving for the betterment of people with disability and their rehabilitation in home and abroad.

BAPMR the only national society for Physiatrists in Bangladesh was formed in 1995. Since then it has been working to create awareness of this specialty, upholding the importance of PM&R and promoting the Physiatrists in national and international arena.