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What are Organizations in Which Physiatrists Can Participate

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The Medical Student's Guide to PM&R

Professional organizations play a vital role in the growth and success of physiatrists at every stage of their careers—from medical school to retirement. These groups offer access to mentorship, advocacy, cutting-edge education, leadership development, research support, and lifelong networking opportunities. Getting involved early can open doors to career advancement, collaboration, and meaningful contributions to the specialty.

Below is a curated list of key organizations that support and represent physiatrists and the broader rehabilitation medicine community:

The American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R):
www.aapmr.org

  • Founded in 1938
  • Membership open to medical students, PM&R residents, board-eligible and board-certified physiatrists
  • Primary sponsorship of the specialty board.
  • Official journal: PM&R
  • AAPM&R Annual Assembly: This meeting provides a forum for continuing medical education, research presentations, a technical exhibition, special interest group meetings, career network services, and special programming and events for both medical students and residents.
  • Opportunities for Medical Students to Get Involved:
    • Medical Student Ambassador Program:  This program was designed as a means of allowing interested medical students to begin networking and engaging within the AAPMR. Ambassadors serve 1-year terms during which they will play a critical role in increasing involvement in the medical student community by: working with their school to share upcoming events and opportunities, contribute to the AAPM&R medical student newsletter and educate their fellow medical students on the Academy’s structure and initiatives as well as resources and opportunities for medical students within the AAPM&R.
  • Opportunities for Residents: 
    • Physiatrists in Training (PHiT) Council: All resident and fellow Academy members belong to the PHiT Council. This was formed to allow residents and fellows the opportunity to provide valuable feedback to the Academy and to assist strategic committees in supporting their needs throughout training and beyond.
    • PHiT Council Board: An elected board which governs the PHiT Council and meets regularly throughout the year to help design and support Academy initiatives to ensure the development and maintenance of a strong resident and fellow community which continues to derive value from involvement with the AAPMR throughout each stage of their career.
    • PHiT Ambassador Program: Consists of PGY-2, 3 and 4 residents from programs across the country with each ambassador serving as a liaison from their program to the AAPMR. Ambassadors are asked to communicate messages to their resident colleagues and often provide feedback to the Academy. 

 

There are other professional organizations to which physiatrists may also belong:

For more information on academic or research-based practices:

The Association of Academic Physiatrists (AAP): 
www.physiatry.org

  • Founded in 1967
  • Membership is open to PM&R residents, board-eligible and board-certified physiatrists who are affiliated with an academic setting.
  • AAP Annual Meeting: This meeting offers continuing education for physicians interested in improving their skills as practitioners and academicians, non-physician academicians who teach and conduct research in PM&R departments, PM&R residents, and physiatrists interested in education and research.

For more information on multidisciplinary approaches to rehabilitation:

American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine (ACRM) 
www.acrm.org

  • Founded in 1923
  • Membership is open to physicians and allied health professionals with an interest in PM&R
  • ACRM Annual Meeting: This meeting provides a forum for continuing medical education with an emphasis on multidisciplinary perspectives, along with research presentations and a technical exhibition.

For more information on obtaining and maintaining specialty board certification in physiatry:

The American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (ABPMR): www.abpmr.org

  • Founded in 1947
  • One of the 24 certifying boards of the American Board of Medical Specialties
  • Establishes the requirements for certification and maintaining certification, creates its examinations, and contributes to setting the standards for PM&R

Because physiatrists care for diverse patient populations across a wide range of clinical settings, many also engage with professional organizations that reflect their specialized interests and areas of expertise (this list is not comprehensive but representative):