Member Spotlight: American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

By: Kelly Garrity, Senior Director, Membership Services and Development

The American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R) is the national medical specialty society for physicians specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation. PM&R physicians, also known as physiatrists, treat a wide variety of medical conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. AAPM&R is dedicated to providing patient-centered care that maximizes function, expands human potential, and enhances quality of life.

With more than 9,000 members, AAPM&R represents a majority of physiatrists in the United States. Its mission is to lead the advancement of physiatry’s impact through health care by creating educational opportunities and resources, evidence-based research, as well as advocating on behalf of physiatrists at a grassroots, legislative, and regulatory policy level.

From the individual physiatrist in practice to the collaborative work of thousands of members, AAPM&R recognizes that action must occur at each level to advance the impact of physiatry and its value in medicine. Its in-person and online educational and training programs equip members for clinical and professional success, while its Annual Assembly gives physiatrists the opportunity to gather, collaborate, and foster a team approach to innovate physiatry and advance the specialty.

To advance education and impact the specialty through timely evidence-based research, AAPM&R also publishes a scientific, peer-reviewed journal, PM&R, specifically for physiatrists.

AAPM&R joined the National Health Council in 2017 because of a shared interest in member collaboration. AAPM&R, as a physician specialty organization, recognized the need to stay connected to the patient community because of its members’ ultimate goal of maximizing function and quality of life for the patients they serve. NHC’s focus on patient access to care provides insight to AAPM&R’s advocacy efforts. AAPM&R also believes NHC’s vast network connects AAPM&R with national patient organizations that do great work and create invaluable resources for patients.

For more information on becoming an NHC member, email me.