Early-Career Neurorehabilitation Professionals in India: Challenges, Barriers, and the Road Ahead

Abstract

Background: Neurorehabilitation is an interdisciplinary field growing rapidly in India, yet early-career professionals often face significant obstacles. This study explores the real-world challenges encountered by young neurorehabilitation professionals across various disciplines. Objectives: To identify and categorize key professional, educational, infrastructural, and systemic challenges experienced by early-career neurorehabilitation practitioners in India. Methods: A narrative synthesis of available literature, expert commentary, and preliminary field insights from physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and clinical psychologists working in neurorehabilitation. Results: Key barriers include inadequate structured training, limited job opportunities, lack of mentorship, interdisciplinary silos, urban-rural disparities, limited research support, poor remuneration, and policy-level invisibility. Conclusion: Strengthening early-career support systems, creating unified neurorehabilitation training frameworks, and enhancing visibility in national health agendas are essential for retaining and nurturing the next generation of neurorehabilitation experts.