PASSOR Perspectives / From the President
Mission Accomplished
You may have heard through the rumor mill that there are
some changes going on with PASSOR. As with most rumors, there may be both truths
and mistruths to what you have heard. I think it is important to discuss the
what, how, and who of the plans for PASSOR transformation as they are still
evolving.
So “what” is this about change?
PASSOR is not going away or “folding,” although PASSOR
will change from the entity you know it as today. Plans have the organization’s
programs and policies becoming integrated into the mainstream of the American
Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. The founding members of PASSOR
developed the council to better serve members’ needs in education, research, and
promotion of the practice of musculoskeletal medicine within the field of
physical medicine and rehabilitation. Dr. Becker’s editorial in this issue
eloquently expresses the accomplish-ments of PASSOR over time. PASSOR has
evolved into the main source or “go-to place” for musculoskeletal practitioners
to seek information regarding education, practice management, and research. In a
sense, PASSOR has accomplished its mission and is now ready to move on to a new
era. The number of musculoskeletal physiatrists speaks well to this. The
percentage of Academy members reporting that at least a portion of their
practice includes musculoskeletal medicine has grown to more than 50%. However,
during this same time interval, the number of PASSOR members has reached a
plateau. This discrepancy in numbers indicates that the voice of musculoskeletal
practitioners within our field may not be unified. Although the specialty of
PM&R overall is a small field, our service to patients is often the missing link
in their health care. In other words, we may be small in numbers, but we are of
significant importance to our patients with impairments and disabilities who
need care. If we as practitioners are unified, our voice will be louder and our
ability to reach members and patients in need will be less fragmented.
So, “how” is this going to happen?
My best answer is “slowly.” It is actually already
happening. Members who have served as leaders within PASSOR have moved on to
assume leadership roles in the Academy. Their ideas and passions represent
musculoskeletal practitioners well. In addition, the new Annual Assembly
educational tracks, which began with last year’s meeting, include both a spine
and a musculoskeletal track. These tracks focus on the core areas of PM&R,
allowing members the choice of additional topics that might better serve their
needs. These changes are the beginning. The master plan is still in progress. It
is important to note that nothing is yet set in stone.
Finally, ”who” is involved in the change?
My best answer is that every member should be involved.
The Academy leadership recently appointed a Membership Committee workgroup to
consider the topic of Academy transformation. The workgroup initially started as
a PASSOR task force to address PASSOR integration, but has since evolved with a
broader focus, addressing the manner in which the Academy structure can be
modified to respond to our evolving membership while also advancing the
interests and objectives of all its members. This group will discuss, debate,
and design potential models for membership constituency representation and
present recommendations to the AAPM&R Membership Committee for consideration and
approval. The workgroup has expanded to include additional constituency
representation from the SIG committee and various SIGs. Your comments are
welcome. Please contact Katrina Holland at the Academy national office for
information or to become involved. The real “who” answer is you. Please be a
part of the process.
The right time for transformation is now. Our field has changed, and the Academy
is transforming to reflect that change. Unification of our heterogeneous
specialty should benefit all members. Musculoskeletal care is a part of every
physiatrist’s practice, whether he or she cares for patients with brain injury,
cancer, or sports-related injuries. Unification will allow us to better market
our value to patients, to other members of the health care community, and to the
general population. It will be a great day when I talk to another mother at a
Little League game and, when asked what I do, I say,” I am a physiatrist,” and
she knows that my profession is to take care of people who have impairments or
disability. And for the dream to go really well, she will know how to spell it!
On that day, our mission will be accomplished.
Heidi Prather, DO
President
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