In honor of National Women Physician's Day*, we are celebrating the amazing female physiatrists in our specialty, including past (and current) presidents who've led the Academy throughout the years. From our first female president in 1951, Frances Baker, MD, to current president, Michelle S. Gittler, MD, as well as all the active volunteers driving Academy initiatives -- thank you for your significant impact on the Academy and PM&R. We are truly grateful and humbled by your dedication to the Academy, physiatry, and most importantly, the patients you serve.
Dr. Deborah Venesy is AAPM&R's Vice President and a shining example of a fierce female physiatrist, who exemplifies leadership and volunteerism at the Academy and across the specialty.
"Participating in and leading AAPM&R committees and council activities has been one of the great joys of my entire professional career. During the last two years, it's been a true pleasure working as Secretary and being part of the executive leadership group. I love working with the other Board of Governors members with whom I share an enduring passion for advancing physiatry and the patients we serve," said Deborah Venesy, MD, FAAPMR, AAPM&R Vice President.
If you have a story to share about a female physiatrist who's doing great work, email submissions@aapmr.org for consideration.
AAPM&R is committed to promoting policy and initiatives that support diversity and inclusion within our specialty. We support women in leadership and are currently accepting nominations for leadership positions within the Academy. Visit www.aapmr.org/volunteer to learn more about this opportunity. Share your recommendations with us and help shape the future work of the Academy. Submit your nominations by February 28, 2020.
"It's important to me that each AAPM&R member know that the Academy has committed to diversity and inclusion with intention. This is a long-term investment to strengthen our specialty through the excellence, strength, broader perspective and insights that diversity brings," said Michelle S. Gittler, MD, FAAPMR, AAPM&R President.
Watch our social media feeds on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram throughout the day as we celebrate the power of the female physician.
*National Women Physicians Day celebrates Elizabeth Blackwell's birthday (1821-1910); she was the first female medical doctor in the U.S. who faced medical school rejection letters with statements about her intellectual inferiority. It's a time to honor women doctors across the country, and the progress they've made since Blackwell's time.
