To compare the physical medicine departments of selected vocationally oriented rehabilitation centers with each other and with centers that are primarily oriented toward physical restoration, six facilities were studied. Conclusions were as follow: nearly all physical medicine departments have staffing problems; quality of service appears unrelated to the physical plant, institution age, or renown of the medical director; departments in urban areas affiliated with hospitals and medical schools appear to view the patient more from the aspect of physical prognosis to the detriment of the client's vocational goals; counselors need more information about the comprehensive nature of vocationally oriented centers; a wider variety of disabilities may be found in university-related departments; the problem of aides or assistants is a recurrent one; vocationally oriented facilities are beginning to treat fewer physically involved clients; one center with below average wages has effective professional training and service programs which attract qualified personnel; and there is a critical need for an examination of provisions for professional staff benefits. (Author/RJ)