Catalyst Leaders Program

Education

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The Catalyst Leaders Program is a new leadership program designed to help PM&R physicians strengthen their ability to lead change through practical business and leadership skills. The program combines in-person and virtual learning focused on an introduction to change management and business skills including project management, financial basics and data-driven decision-making. Participants will work closely with experienced mentors to apply these concepts to real-world challenges within their own practices, receiving guidance and feedback throughout the experience. The program aims to empower members to advance the specialty and improve healthcare outcomes.

Program Chairs

Scott Laker, MD, FAAPMR

University of Colorado Medicine
Aurora, CO

Lennox McNeary, MD, FAAPMR

Valley PM&R
Roanoke, VA

Spots are Limited - Register Today!

Curriculum

Participants will be taken through a six-month program focusing on foundational business skills, including project management, budget and financial basics, using data to support PM&R, and change management. Each participant will be placed into a small group led by a mentor who will lead the group through questions and discussions after each session.

The program consists of five sessions with the first session taking place in person at the Annual Assembly followed by four monthly sessions conducted virtually.

Session 1: Strategic Thinking and Service Line Development (in person)
- Thursday, November 12 from 2:30-4 pm (ET) at the Annual Assembly in Orlando, FL
Session 2: Project Management (Virtual)
- Thursday, January 21 from 7 – 8:30 pm (CT)
Session 3: Budget & Financial Management (Virtual)
- Thursday, February 25 from 7 – 8:30 pm (CT)
Session 4: Telling Stories with Data: Making the Case for PM&R (Virtual)
- Thursday, March 18 from 7 – 8:30 pm (CT)
Session 5: Change Management (Virtual)
- Monday, April 19 from 7 – 8:30 pm (CT)

Participants are expected to participate in all five sessions and will receive a certificate of completion if they attend all sessions.

Small Group Mentors

Lester S. Duplechan, MD, FAAPMR, Member-at-Large
Theresa A. Gillis, MD, FAAPMR, Member-at-Large
Marlis Gonzalez-Fernandez, MD, PhD, FAAPMR, Member-at-Large
Rita G. Hamilton, DO, FAAPMR, Member-at-Large
Keneshia M. Kirksey, MD, MBA, FAAPMR, 2022-2026 Chair, Membership Committee

Program Eligibility

Participants must be a member of AAPM&R.
A physician currently in practice.
Registered to attend the 2026 Annual Assembly in Orlando, FL.
No previous business experience is required.

Cost

As a pilot program, the Catalyst Leaders Program is initially being offered complimentary to members. However, 2026 Annual Assembly in-person registration is required as the program will launch in Orlando during the annual meeting.

As a pilot program, participant feedback will be requested.