AAPM&R Launches New Leadership Institute

July 8, 2019

Based on member insights from the Visioning PM&R BOLD initiative as well as an extensive needs assessment incorporating feedback from the full membership, it became evident that our members want training in leadership skills to help them thrive in the new health care landscape. The need to position and train physiatrists to become medical directors in inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRF) and skilled nursing facilities (SNF) was also identified as a priority, to support physiatry’s value in health care.

To address these diverse leadership training needs and identified gaps, the Academy launched the AAPM&R Leadership Institute, which provides multiple pathways to develop members’ leadership skills.

These pathways include:

• Business and Administration Program: AAPM&R has partnered with the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University to provide top-notch business and administration training specifically for physiatrists. This pathway is for physiatrists looking to invest in improving their business administration and management skills to pursue leadership roles such as medical director or CEO of a health system. Kellogg is a well-known and well-respected entity and offers physiatrists an opportunity to hone in on specific skills relevant to physiatry and their personal career goals without the cost and time commitment of pursuing an MBA. The program includes 2 in-depth weekend courses in May and July 2020 under the mentorship of Drs. William Adair and Kathleen Bell. Space is limited, so register now!
• Online Modules: AAPM&R has partnered with the American Association for Physician Leadership (AAPL) to provide digital leadership advancement at significant savings. Hand-selected with physiatrists’ needs in mind, the AAPL online modules are ideal for those looking for training in specific topics or are just beginning to evaluate their leadership goals. The 8 modules are interactive and feature videos and printable resources to maximize the learning experience. Those who complete the AAPL modules can continue their learning through the AAPL Certified Physician Executive (CPE) credentialing program, which can be completed online or live at one of AAPL’s national meetings. More information coming soon! 
• STEP PM&R Leadership Certificates: Extend your experience from the Kellogg Business and Administration Program and apply what you've learned in your own practice to earn a Certificate of Completion in PM&R Leadership and/or PM&R Medical Directorship. Participants must complete the Business Administration Program before pursuing a STEP PM&R Leadership Certificate. Physiatrist member volunteers are currently developing the programs, and additional details will be released later this year.
• Future Leaders Program: Also included under the Leadership Institute umbrella is the Future Leaders Program (formerly the Academy Leadership Program), a 2-year immersive program that trains emerging member leaders and helps prepare them to lead the Academy and the specialty.

The AAPM&R Leadership Institute offers great opportunities for physiatrists to not only advance their personal skills but help advance the specialty by positioning well-trained thought-leaders in a variety of practice settings. These opportunities also offer ways to connect and collaborate with future physiatric leaders. Learn more about the AAPM&R Leadership Institute at www.aapmr.org/Leadership.