Charles D. Kenyon, DO, MS
University of Washington PM&R Program
Dear #TeamPhysiatry,
As I reflect on the AAPM&R Annual Assembly, I truly enjoyed engaging with you all in San Antonio. This year was aptly themed “Uniting PM&R Through Evidence & Best Practices,” and there were ample opportunities to connect with rising physiatrists. From full-house fellowship panels during the first-ever Community Day, to incredible hands-on resident workshops in ultrasound, spasticity, and amputee care, and an unforgettable Quiz Bowl experience; every day of the conference was fueled by the excitement of our in-training members.
Congratulations to the 2019 Quiz Bowl Champions, Stanford PM&R, who edged out my co-residents from the University of Washington in a hard-fought battle amongst a record-setting 16 participating teams. Many thanks to our emcee, Dr. Julie Witkowski (Mayo Clinic) for keeping the energy high throughout the evening!
We also saw the evolution of our traditional poster hall to the new Research Hub, which was fully outfitted with digital poster displays and live theater presentations. Thank you to all who participated in this newly-enriched research experience.
Passion and advocacy took center stage at the 2019 PHiT Fire competition. Many thanks to our phenomenal speakers: Drs. Tracey Isidro and Dat Nguyen (BCM Houston), Dr. Sarah Simmons (University of Washington), Dr. Vinny Francio (Kansas University), Dr. Jim Eubanks (UPMC), Dr. Matthew Cowling (Wisconsin), Drs. Jean Woo and Peter Yeh (BCM Houston), and this year’s PHiT Fire champion Dr. Alexa Royston (UTSW), who shared her team’s illuminating research on maternity policies in medicine.
The weekend came to an insightful conclusion with solid representation from current residents in this year’s PhyzTalks. Dr. Emily Miller (Stanford), Dr. Lyndsey Migliore (MedStar NRH), and Dr. Anita Lowe Taylor (Stanford) all took to the main stage during the plenary brunch on Sunday, with Dr. Taylor taking home the grand prize for her presentation titled “The Top of the World to the End of the Line.”
Thank you to the outgoing PHiT President, Dr. Justin Bishop (Baylor University Medical Center) and the entire PHiT Council for your hard work in helping to make this year a success. Further congratulations to the incoming PHiT Council and program liaisons. We have our work cut out for us to continue our growth in 2020!
We leave San Antonio as a truly inspired group of physicians; and every year we are challenged to take the energy from the Annual Assembly home to improve quality of life and function for our patients. We look forward to continuing the dialogue from the Annual Assembly through the In-Training Member forum on PhyzForum. I encourage everyone to sign-up and engage with member communities of your interest and explore volunteer opportunities within the Academy.
To me the intention behind “Uniting PM&R” and #TeamPhysiatry challenges us to reflect on our identity as physiatrists so that we will be stronger in the face of an ever-changing health care landscape. On behalf of the PHiT Council, we look forward to representing you during the coming year, and we are excited for another strong in-training #TeamPhysiatry showing in San Diego for #AAPMR20.
Sincerely,
Charles Kenyon, DO
University of Washington PM&R
2019-2020 AAPM&R PHiT Council President