Award Descriptions

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AAPM&R Award Descriptions


The Frank H. Krusen, MD, Lifetime Achievement Award

The Frank H. Krusen, MD, Lifetime Achievement Award was established by the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in 1972 to honor a founding father of the Academy who was a leader in the development of the specialty of PM&R. Dr. Krusen, the Academy’s fourth president, was the first recipient of the award that now bears his name. The Krusen Award is the Academy’s highest honor, and recipients of the gold medallion are selected on the basis of their outstanding and unique contributions to the specialty.

The nominee should be an AAPM&R Member who

  • has made outstanding and unique contributions to the field of PM&R in the areas of patient care, research, education, and administration

  • has served the profession through involvement in Academy activities

Past Frank H. Krusen, MD, Lifetime Achievement Award Recipients

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Distinguished Member Award

Established in 1994, the Distinguished Member Award honors AAPM&R members who have provided invaluable service to the specialty of PM&R. As many as three awards may be given each year.

The nominee should be an AAPM&R Member who: 

  • Has contributed significantly to the advancement of the specialty

  • Has demonstrated excellence in physiatric clinical care, scholarly activities, and/or contributions to the Academy

Past Distinguished Member Award Recipients

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PM&R Public Service, Health Equity and Advocacy Award*

Established by the Academy in 1981, the PM&R Public Service, Health Equity and Advocacy Award* honors individuals who, in the course of their public service activities, have made significant contributions to the enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities, and/or in vulnerable populations at risk for disabilities. As many as three awards may be given each year.

The nominee:

  • Has contributed significantly to enhance quality of life for individuals with disabilities, and/or in vulnerable populations at risk for disabilities, through service activities on an international, national or community level

    Past Distinguished Public Service Award Recipients

*Previously named the Distinguished Public Service Award

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PASSOR Legacy Award and Lectureship

Established in 2008 to preserve the legacy and namesake of the Physiatric Association of Spine, Sports and Occupational Rehabilitation (PASSOR), this award is meant to recognize an individual in mid career that has advanced musculoskeletal physiatry through clinical care, education, service or scholarship (research). The award recipient will present a lecture at the AAPM&R Annual Assembly.

The nominee should be an AAPM&R Member who:

  • has distinguished himself/herself in the field of musculoskeletal physiatry

  • is in mid-career or later

  • has attained excellence in 3 of the 4 areas: clinical care, national education, national service or scholarship

Past PASSOR Legacy Award and Lectureship Recipients

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Early PM&R Career Award

The Early PM&R Career Award was established by the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in 2023 to recognize Academy members who have made an impact on the future of PM&R through distinction in innovation, advocacy, leadership, service, or clinical practice within ten or fewer years in practice.


PM&R Awareness and Value Award

The PM&R Awareness and Value Award was established by the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in 2023 to recognize individuals whose efforts have significantly elevated the understanding and value of physiatry across healthcare.


The Outstanding Council Service Award

The Outstanding Council Service Award officially sunset in 2019.

View Past Council Service Award Recipients

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Distinguished Clinician Award

The Distinguished Clinician Award officially sunset in 2020.

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