American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Encyclopedia
The American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R) is the national medical specialty society for physician
s who specialize in physical medicine and rehabilitation
(PM&R). These physicians are called “physiatrists” or “rehabilitation physicians.” Founded in 1938, the mission of AAPM&R is to foster excellence in physiatric practice. AAPM&R also offers education, advocates
for PM&R, and promotes PM&R research.
AAPM&R has more than 8,000 members representing a majority of the physiatrists in the United States
and 37 countries. The organization is led by a board of governors, which includes the president, past president, president-elect, vice president, secretary, treasurer, members-at-large, and strategic coordinating committee chairs. The executive director is among the ex-officio liaisons to the board.
when disabled veterans or soldiers with physical impairments returned home. The specialty quickly grew as it attempted to help veterans restore function and return to their daily lives. In addition, during the 1940s and early 1950s physiatrists played a pivotal role in the treatment of individuals with Poliomyelitis
.
Then called the American Society of Physical Therapy Physicians, AAPM&R was founded in 1938 in Chicago
at the annual meeting of the American Congress of Physical Medicine. Walter Zeiter, MD, was elected executive director (a position he held for 22 years), and John S. Coulter, MD, was elected as the first president. In 1939, the Society was formalized in New York
. The Society had 40 charter members including PM&R pioneer Frank H. Krusen
, MD (AAPM&R president from 1941–1942). Membership was by invitation only and was limited to 100 doctors until 1944. In 1944, the Society’s name was changed to the American Society of Physical Medicine. In 1951, it became the American Society of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. The Academy’s current name was adopted in 1955.
Physiatrists today enjoy a broad spectrum of practices from serving as an NFL team physician to caring for Gulf War Veterans suffering from brain injuries, amputations, or other injuries. [1]
) are “Fellow” members. There are also categories for residents
, international physicians, medical students, and academic researchers.
AAPM&R’s membership reflects the diversity of the specialty of PM&R. Member physicians may treat amputation
s; pain
(neck
, nerve, arthritic
, back
); injuries (brain
, spinal cord
, sports-related); rehabilitation (cardiac
, geriatric
, pediatric); and more. Some physiatrists may treat multiple conditions while others may focus on specific areas of interest. Physiatrists’ practices also vary: While some may practice in hospital
s and rehabilitation centers, others may work in private practices or with other types of physicians (e.g., orthopedic surgeons
, family physicians
).
Recognizing the diversity of the specialty and its membership, the Academy established Member Councils in 2009. The Councils bring together clinical segments of the membership in communities: Central Nervous System Rehabilitation, Musculoskeletal Medicine, Medical Rehabilitation, Pain Medicine/Neuromuscular Medicine, and Pediatric Rehabilitation/Developmental Disabilities
.
(CME) as well as a job fair and exhibit hall. In addition to the Annual Assembly, the Academy holds several other live courses and workshops covering musculoskeletal ultrasound
, spinal procedures, coding and billing, and spasticity
and dystonia
.
To help members obtain CME online, AAPM&R launched acadeME in 2008. The online education portal allows physiatrists to access CME activities online. It includes courses, slide lectures, case studies, podcasts, self-study materials, and more.
Medical students interested in more information regarding the specialty can listen to podcasts of a diverse group of actively practicing physiatrists describe their practices and lifestyles.
and regulatory
health policy and private sector market trends affecting both the health care
and insurance industries. The Academy also seeks to position the specialty strategically in the quality environment; advocates
for increased responsiveness of research to the rehabilitation needs of people with physical disabilities and the professionals who provide services to them; works to expand practice management services for members; and advocates on behalf of members’ professional interests. The Academy works in collaboration with other physicians’ specialty organizations on a range of professional practice issues including practice management and administrative simplification. The Academy has taken a lead role in advocating for the rehabilitation of wounded service men and women and disabled veterans returning from the Iraq and Afghanistan
conflicts. Many returning veterans have severe disabilities such as traumatic brain injury
(TBI). The Academy advocates for these individuals through alliances with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs
, participation in congressional symposiums, and meetings with staff.
The Academy advocates for the needs of patients and physiatrists’ ability to deliver the care they need. For example, the Academy works toward the long-term goal of passing legislation that will remove admissions quotas and return the physiatrist to the position of freely determining what type of rehabilitation is medically necessary for any given patient. In addition to its efforts as a national society, the Academy places a priority on assisting physiatrists at the state level through grassroots advocacy on critical practice issues. The Academy encourages members to get involved with their state PM&R societies to organize and develop a strong lobbying infrastructure. In addition, the Academy coordinates member “Calls to Action” through its Advocacy Action Center.
, the journal provides research and education directly related to PM&R topics and emphasizes principles of injury, function, and rehabilitation.
The Physiatrist is the official publication of AAPM&R. The print newsletter is distributed to all members 10 times a year and includes updates on legislation, education, jobs, and products or programs related to PM&R and the Academy.
The e-newsletter, AAPM&R Connection was launched in 2008. It provides information to Academy members.
Physician
A physician is a health care provider who practices the profession of medicine, which is concerned with promoting, maintaining or restoring human health through the study, diagnosis, and treatment of disease, injury and other physical and mental impairments...
s who specialize in physical medicine and rehabilitation
Physical medicine and rehabilitation
Physical medicine and rehabilitation , physiatry or rehabilitation medicine, is a branch of medicine that aims to enhance and restore functional ability and quality of life to those with physical impairments or disabilities. A physician having completed training in this field is referred to as a...
(PM&R). These physicians are called “physiatrists” or “rehabilitation physicians.” Founded in 1938, the mission of AAPM&R is to foster excellence in physiatric practice. AAPM&R also offers education, advocates
Advocacy
Advocacy is a political process by an individual or a large group which normally aims to influence public-policy and resource allocation decisions within political, economic, and social systems and institutions; it may be motivated from moral, ethical or faith principles or simply to protect an...
for PM&R, and promotes PM&R research.
AAPM&R has more than 8,000 members representing a majority of the physiatrists in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
and 37 countries. The organization is led by a board of governors, which includes the president, past president, president-elect, vice president, secretary, treasurer, members-at-large, and strategic coordinating committee chairs. The executive director is among the ex-officio liaisons to the board.
History
PM&R began in the 1930s as a way to treat musculoskeletal and neurological conditions. Of note, PM&R took a lead role after World War IIWorld War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
when disabled veterans or soldiers with physical impairments returned home. The specialty quickly grew as it attempted to help veterans restore function and return to their daily lives. In addition, during the 1940s and early 1950s physiatrists played a pivotal role in the treatment of individuals with Poliomyelitis
Poliomyelitis
Poliomyelitis, often called polio or infantile paralysis, is an acute viral infectious disease spread from person to person, primarily via the fecal-oral route...
.
Then called the American Society of Physical Therapy Physicians, AAPM&R was founded in 1938 in Chicago
Chicago
Chicago is the largest city in the US state of Illinois. With nearly 2.7 million residents, it is the most populous city in the Midwestern United States and the third most populous in the US, after New York City and Los Angeles...
at the annual meeting of the American Congress of Physical Medicine. Walter Zeiter, MD, was elected executive director (a position he held for 22 years), and John S. Coulter, MD, was elected as the first president. In 1939, the Society was formalized in New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
. The Society had 40 charter members including PM&R pioneer Frank H. Krusen
Frank H. Krusen
Frank H. Krusen, M.D. was an American physiatrist. He is regarded as the "founder" of the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation. Dr. Krusen was the driving force behind the establishment of the first Department of Physical Medicine at Mayo Clinic in 1936...
, MD (AAPM&R president from 1941–1942). Membership was by invitation only and was limited to 100 doctors until 1944. In 1944, the Society’s name was changed to the American Society of Physical Medicine. In 1951, it became the American Society of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. The Academy’s current name was adopted in 1955.
Physiatrists today enjoy a broad spectrum of practices from serving as an NFL team physician to caring for Gulf War Veterans suffering from brain injuries, amputations, or other injuries. [1]
Membership
AAPM&R offers several membership categories depending upon an individual’s credentials. Physicians who are board certified in PM&R (as determined by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, a certifying board of the American Board of Medical SpecialtiesAmerican Board of Medical Specialties
The American Board of Medical Specialties is a non-profit physician-led umbrella organization for 24 of the 26 approved medical specialty boards in the United States...
) are “Fellow” members. There are also categories for residents
Residency (medicine)
Residency is a stage of graduate medical training. A resident physician or resident is a person who has received a medical degree , Podiatric degree , Dental Degree and who practices...
, international physicians, medical students, and academic researchers.
AAPM&R’s membership reflects the diversity of the specialty of PM&R. Member physicians may treat amputation
Amputation
Amputation is the removal of a body extremity by trauma, prolonged constriction, or surgery. As a surgical measure, it is used to control pain or a disease process in the affected limb, such as malignancy or gangrene. In some cases, it is carried out on individuals as a preventative surgery for...
s; pain
Pain management
Pain management is a branch of medicine employing an interdisciplinary approach for easing the suffering and improving the quality of life of those living with pain. The typical pain management team includes medical practitioners, clinical psychologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists,...
(neck
Neck pain
Neck pain is a common problem, with two-thirds of the population having neck pain at some point in their lives.Neck pain, although felt in the neck, can be caused by numerous other spinal problems. Neck pain may arise due to muscular tightness in both the neck and upper back, or pinching of the...
, nerve, arthritic
Arthritis
Arthritis is a form of joint disorder that involves inflammation of one or more joints....
, back
Back pain
Back pain is pain felt in the back that usually originates from the muscles, nerves, bones, joints or other structures in the spine.The pain can often be divided into neck pain, upper back pain, lower back pain or tailbone pain...
); injuries (brain
Traumatic brain injury
Traumatic brain injury , also known as intracranial injury, occurs when an external force traumatically injures the brain. TBI can be classified based on severity, mechanism , or other features...
, spinal cord
Spinal cord injury
A spinal cord injury refers to any injury to the spinal cord that is caused by trauma instead of disease. Depending on where the spinal cord and nerve roots are damaged, the symptoms can vary widely, from pain to paralysis to incontinence...
, sports-related); rehabilitation (cardiac
Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation
Cardiac Rehabilitation is a branch of rehabilitation medicine dealing with optimizing physical function in patients with cardiac disease. CR services are generally provided in an outpatient setting as comprehensive, long-term programs involving medical evaluation, prescribed exercise, cardiac...
, geriatric
Geriatric rehabilitation
Geriatric rehabilitation or Geriatric Physical Therapy is the branch of medicine that studies rehabilitation and physical therapy issues in elderly.- Origins :...
, pediatric); and more. Some physiatrists may treat multiple conditions while others may focus on specific areas of interest. Physiatrists’ practices also vary: While some may practice in hospital
Hospital
A hospital is a health care institution providing patient treatment by specialized staff and equipment. Hospitals often, but not always, provide for inpatient care or longer-term patient stays....
s and rehabilitation centers, others may work in private practices or with other types of physicians (e.g., orthopedic surgeons
Orthopedic surgery
Orthopedic surgery or orthopedics is the branch of surgery concerned with conditions involving the musculoskeletal system...
, family physicians
Family medicine
Family medicine is a medical specialty devoted to comprehensive health care for people of all ages. It is a division of primary care that provides continuing and comprehensive health care for the individual and family across all ages, sexes, diseases, and parts of the body...
).
Recognizing the diversity of the specialty and its membership, the Academy established Member Councils in 2009. The Councils bring together clinical segments of the membership in communities: Central Nervous System Rehabilitation, Musculoskeletal Medicine, Medical Rehabilitation, Pain Medicine/Neuromuscular Medicine, and Pediatric Rehabilitation/Developmental Disabilities
Developmental disability
Developmental disability is a term used in the United States and Canada to describe lifelong disabilities attributable to mental or physical impairments, manifested prior to age 18. It is not synonymous with "developmental delay" which is often a consequence of a temporary illness or trauma during...
.
Education
Since 1939, the Academy has held an Annual Assembly each fall. As the largest meeting of physiatrists in the world, the Assembly attracts nearly 2,000 attendees each year. The meeting offers an educational program with PM&R-specific workshops that offer continuing medical educationContinuing medical education
Continuing medical education refers to a specific form of continuing education that helps those in the medical field maintain competence and learn about new and developing areas of their field. These activities may take place as live events, written publications, online programs, audio, video, or...
(CME) as well as a job fair and exhibit hall. In addition to the Annual Assembly, the Academy holds several other live courses and workshops covering musculoskeletal ultrasound
Ultrasound
Ultrasound is cyclic sound pressure with a frequency greater than the upper limit of human hearing. Ultrasound is thus not separated from "normal" sound based on differences in physical properties, only the fact that humans cannot hear it. Although this limit varies from person to person, it is...
, spinal procedures, coding and billing, and spasticity
Spasticity
Spasticity is a feature of altered skeletal muscle performance in muscle tone involving hypertonia, which is also referred to as an unusual "tightness" of muscles...
and dystonia
Dystonia
Dystonia is a neurological movement disorder, in which sustained muscle contractions cause twisting and repetitive movements or abnormal postures. The disorder may be hereditary or caused by other factors such as birth-related or other physical trauma, infection, poisoning or reaction to...
.
To help members obtain CME online, AAPM&R launched acadeME in 2008. The online education portal allows physiatrists to access CME activities online. It includes courses, slide lectures, case studies, podcasts, self-study materials, and more.
Medical students interested in more information regarding the specialty can listen to podcasts of a diverse group of actively practicing physiatrists describe their practices and lifestyles.
Advocacy
AAPM&R monitors federal legislativeLegislation
Legislation is law which has been promulgated by a legislature or other governing body, or the process of making it...
and regulatory
Regulation
Regulation is administrative legislation that constitutes or constrains rights and allocates responsibilities. It can be distinguished from primary legislation on the one hand and judge-made law on the other...
health policy and private sector market trends affecting both the health care
Health care
Health care is the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease, illness, injury, and other physical and mental impairments in humans. Health care is delivered by practitioners in medicine, chiropractic, dentistry, nursing, pharmacy, allied health, and other care providers...
and insurance industries. The Academy also seeks to position the specialty strategically in the quality environment; advocates
Advocacy
Advocacy is a political process by an individual or a large group which normally aims to influence public-policy and resource allocation decisions within political, economic, and social systems and institutions; it may be motivated from moral, ethical or faith principles or simply to protect an...
for increased responsiveness of research to the rehabilitation needs of people with physical disabilities and the professionals who provide services to them; works to expand practice management services for members; and advocates on behalf of members’ professional interests. The Academy works in collaboration with other physicians’ specialty organizations on a range of professional practice issues including practice management and administrative simplification. The Academy has taken a lead role in advocating for the rehabilitation of wounded service men and women and disabled veterans returning from the Iraq and Afghanistan
War in Afghanistan (2001–present)
The War in Afghanistan began on October 7, 2001, as the armed forces of the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the Afghan United Front launched Operation Enduring Freedom...
conflicts. Many returning veterans have severe disabilities such as traumatic brain injury
Traumatic brain injury
Traumatic brain injury , also known as intracranial injury, occurs when an external force traumatically injures the brain. TBI can be classified based on severity, mechanism , or other features...
(TBI). The Academy advocates for these individuals through alliances with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs
United States Department of Veterans Affairs
The United States Department of Veterans Affairs is a government-run military veteran benefit system with Cabinet-level status. It is the United States government’s second largest department, after the United States Department of Defense...
, participation in congressional symposiums, and meetings with staff.
The Academy advocates for the needs of patients and physiatrists’ ability to deliver the care they need. For example, the Academy works toward the long-term goal of passing legislation that will remove admissions quotas and return the physiatrist to the position of freely determining what type of rehabilitation is medically necessary for any given patient. In addition to its efforts as a national society, the Academy places a priority on assisting physiatrists at the state level through grassroots advocacy on critical practice issues. The Academy encourages members to get involved with their state PM&R societies to organize and develop a strong lobbying infrastructure. In addition, the Academy coordinates member “Calls to Action” through its Advocacy Action Center.
Publications
In 2009, the Academy launched PM&R, a monthly, peer-reviewed, scientific journal. Published by ElsevierElsevier
Elsevier is a publishing company which publishes medical and scientific literature. It is a part of the Reed Elsevier group. Based in Amsterdam, the company has operations in the United Kingdom, USA and elsewhere....
, the journal provides research and education directly related to PM&R topics and emphasizes principles of injury, function, and rehabilitation.
The Physiatrist is the official publication of AAPM&R. The print newsletter is distributed to all members 10 times a year and includes updates on legislation, education, jobs, and products or programs related to PM&R and the Academy.
The e-newsletter, AAPM&R Connection was launched in 2008. It provides information to Academy members.
External links
- AAPM&R Web site
- PM&R Web site
- acadeME
- ABPMR Web site; ABPMR oversees certification in PM&R; AAPM&R helps members meet ABPMR requirements
- Foundation for PM&R Web site; the Foundation is the research arm of AAPM&R