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AAPM&R Spotlight Conferences

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AAPM&R's Spotlight Conferences are mini conferences focused on targeted clinical or practice topics to help you navigate and succeed in the changing healthcare environment.

Hear from accomplished experts during these sessions, which are 2-3 hours in length and follow a traditional format, including:

  • Formal slide presentations
  • Didactic speakers
  • Panel discussions

Increase your understanding of novel topics and innovative approaches by viewing our past Spotlight Conferences below!

Past Spotlights

Medical Cannabis Review 2022: Clinical Applications, Research, and Medicolegal Considerations 

During this June 18 session, medical cannabis experts discussed clinical applications across a variety of practice settings. This three-hour program addressed relevant research, medicolegal issues, and provided a clear understanding of how medical cannabis can be an effective tool for PM&R physicians treating pain, spasticity, insomnia and other chronic conditions. There was also be a review of medical cannabis regulatory issues as well as its use in underserved populations. A panel discussion with live Q&A was also provided.

The Kinetic Chain: The Overhead Athlete 

The study of movement as a whole - THE KINETIC CHAIN - and the application of this analysis to examination and diagnosis of pathology is what makes physiatry so unique. The goal of the series is to revive understanding of the principles of kinetic chain analysis and return it to the forefront of one's practice. Each session highlights an aspect of physical motion and review typical human movement as well as patterns seen in typical impairments. Faculty will provide practical tips on how they use their respective analyses in the evaluations of their patients

During this February 12 session, faculty discussed typical components of the shoulder, scapula and overhead athletes, and the relationship to the kinetic chain. Faculty reviewed the biomechanics of the overhead and windmill pitch, scapular kinetics and how impairments in the timing of these motions as well as impairments to the distal chain (such as the hip) influences and may ultimately result in one’s assessment of specific injuries. Faculty also provided practical tips on how they use their respective analyses (biomechanical, static vs dynamic and clinical) in the evaluations of their overhead athletic patients.

The Kinetic Chain: Gait Analysis

The study of movement as a whole - the kinetic chain - and the application of this analysis to examination and diagnosis of pathology is what makes physiatry so unique. The goal of this series is to revive your understanding of the principles of kinetic chain analysis and return it to the forefront of your practice.

During our April 24 session, we discussed typical components of gait and its development. Faculty explored how gait is altered in different impairments and how understanding the kinetic chain influences one's assessment of specific injuries and their treatment options. We also provided practical tips on how they can use their respective analyses in the evaluations of their patients.

Recommendations and Clinical Insights for Implementation of Disorder of Consciousness Practice Guidelines

During the September 14 and 21 spotlight series, we provided an overview of recently published DOC Practice Guidelines with key clinical insights into applications. Our multi-disciplinary team addressed guideline-related domains of assessment, diagnosis, medical management, prognosis and confounders to further clinical treatment for this disorder. Appropriate medical management, rehabilitation interventions and expectations for recovery was illustrated with clinical examples. Case studies were utilized to demonstrate application of the guidelines and stimulate discussions regarding best practice concepts. Physiatrists saw how clinicians in the field use real-world cases to develop a road map to recovery for the severe brain injury survivors experiencing DOC. Virtual problem-solving case studies were also provided for all attendees. 

Negotiation and Non-Clinical Career Choices for Physiatrists as a Tool to Improve Career Longevity

During this September 18 session, renown faculty showed attendees how to negotiate contracts to help improve the "fit" of their job to reduce burnout and turnover, ultimately having a job that serves you. This session prepared you to navigate your next negotiation in a collaborative way and design a job that fits your desires so you can focus on patient care. In addition to being provided with tools and techniques to use during your next contract negotiation, faculty shared their experiences and expertise in various combinations of clinical and non-clinical work. Faculty gave real-life examples on how to augment your current practice or continue to use your medical knowledge to work in a professional setting outside of pratice care. Attendees were introduced to the broad range of alternative career paths that might help them drastically change their career direction and/or simply diversifying their practice.