PM&R Resident E-Newsletter

Annual Assembly Update

Elizabeth Martin, MD, MPH, MHS
Graduation Year 2016—Stanford University

The AAPM&R 2014 Annual Assembly on November 12-16th was a highly successful gathering of physiatrists in sunny San Diego. With the theme of “Focus on Function Through Exercise,” this year’s assembly offered exceptional speakers, hands-on workshops, and networking events. Attendance was outstanding with more than 2,800 physiatrists from around the world, including 645 residents – over half the residents in the country - and more than 100 medical students.

On Wednesday morning, RPC Past-President Danielle Sarno, MD attended the AAPM&R Board of Governors meeting and represented resident interests, such as the upcoming board certification preparation Q-bank launch and expansion of the Resident Ambassador program.

Also on Wednesday, early attendees were able to attend the career focused sessions, “Preparing for Physiatric Practice: Securing the Physiatric Position that is Right For You.” Guest speakers provided expert advice on preparing CV’s, navigating job searches, interviewing, and negotiating salaries. This was followed by the career fair, where residents and fellows met with an extensive range of recruiters, potential employers, and fellowship programs from around the country.

The Resident Physician Council leadership met early Thursday morning to review the past year and welcome incoming leadership. There were many successes in 2014, notably the upcoming development of a Qbank in response to resident interest in board preparation materials. The RPC leadership also reviewed plans for the next year, including a continued focus on resident education, resident member benefits, and recruitment of resident and medical student members.

The conference officially opened on Thursday with 2014 AAPM&R President Kurt Hoppe, MD and Len Nichols, PhD discussing how federal health reforms will apply to physiatry. Resident focused lectures were highlighted this year, starting with sessions on spinal interventions, practical considerations of exercise in medicine, exercise in Parkinson’s disease, spine related injuries in sports, and management of pediatric TBI.

Friday’s program featured an inspirational lecture on the Paralympic movement and the role of sport in rehabilitation and society by Sir Philip Craven, president of the International Paralympic Committee. Sessions also included highly attended workshops on ultrasound guided injections, musculoskeletal ultrasound, and stem cell treatments, as well as research podium presentations on Neurologic Rehabilitation and Pediatric Rehabilitation. In addition to educational sessions, Friday included the Quad Rugby tournament championship.

The RPC Board held the Resident Town Hall Friday evening, providing a forum for residents to learn about the past year of RPC activities and to ask questions or offer suggestions for the upcoming year. Following the Town Hall, the RPC leadership met with other residents at the Resident Reception with appetizers and refreshments provided by the San Diego Marriott Marquis. Hotel. Members then had the opportunity to attend a one-of–a-kind President’s Reception at Petco Park and meet the 2014 AAPM&R President Kurt Hoppe, MD. Participants enjoyed ballpark fare with a gourmet twist and received private tours of the Padres clubhouse.

Early risers took part in a beautiful Saturday morning run along the waterfront during the Foundation for PM&R Run/Walk/Roll 5k. A special thanks goes to past-vice president Samuel Chu for his assistance in coordinating volunteers for this event. Saturday continued with recognition of the year’s award winners and the 46th Walter J Zeiter Lecture, “Exercise IS Rehabilitation Medicine,” by Bruce Becker, MD, MS. Additional sessions included Pediatric Rehabilitation day on Saturday and research podium presentations on Pain and Spine Medicine on Sunday.

This year’s assembly was a huge success and we look forward to seeing you at next year’s Annual Assembly on October 1-4, 2015 in Boston, Massachusetts. Be sure to mark your calendars for the largest gathering of PM&R residents in the country! Residents should also consider arriving in Boston on September 31 for career planning sessions and the career fair.

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Call for 2015 Abstracts

AAPM&R invites you to submit your clinical and basic science research findings to be considered for inclusion in the Annual Assembly program. The Call for Abstracts opens January 7, and will close March 7, 2015 at 11:59pm CST. More information will be available on January 7 on the AAPM&R website atwww.aapmr.org.

Coming in June 2015: Board Certification Preparation Qbank

AAPM&R is developing a resource for residents preparing for ABPMR certification exams. It will feature about 1,000 questions covering the breadth of the exam and will provide immediate feedback with explanation. This new resource will be available in July 2015, so please be on the lookout as you prepare to study!

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SAE-R

Questions, Questions, Questions…Are You Prepared?

The AAPM&R self-assessment examination for residents (SAE-R) 
takesplace January 2015 and consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. 
Are you prepared?

Your Academy has several online resources to help you study. 
Many of these resources are available on mē^® at a discounted rate for residents.

• FREE! (SAE-R) Exams: Each abridged SAE-R provides a taste of 
  what to expect with January’s exam by featuring questions 
  covering clinical areas of PM&R.
• Self-Assessment Examinations for Practitioners (SAE-Ps): 
  SAE-Ps are a great way to zone in on one clinical area and 
  evaluate your knowledge. Plus, some include review articles. 
  SAE-Ps are available at half price for residents.
• MOC|3 Online Mock Examination: This online exam study tool 
  covers the 16 main clinical areas of the specialty through 160 questions. Several topics provide additional questions and 
  answers as an added study feature!