The American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R) is the national medical specialty society in the United States for physicians who specialize in physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R). These physicians are called "physiatrists" or "rehabilitation physicians". Founded in 1938, AAPM&R also offers education, advocates for PM&R, and promotes PM&R research.
AAPM&R has more than 8,000 members representing a majority of the physiatrists in the United States and 37 countries. The organization is led by a board of governors which includes the president, past president, president-elect, vice president, secretary, treasurer, members-at-large and strategic co-ordinating committee chairs. The executive director is among the ex officio liaisons to the board.
History
PM&R began in the 1930s as a way to treat musculoskeletal and neurological conditions. Of note, PM&R took a lead role after World War II when disabled veterans or soldiers with physical impairments returned home. The specialty quickly grew as it attempted to help veterans restore function and return to their daily lives. In addition, during the 1940s and early 1950s physiatrists played a pivotal role in the treatment of individuals with poliomyelitis.
Then called the American Society of Physical Therapy Physicians, AAPM&R was founded in 1938 in Chicago at the annual meeting of the American Congress of Physical Medicine. Walter Zeiter, MD, was elected executive director (a position he held for 22 years) and John S. Coulter, MD, was elected as the first president. In 1939, the society was formalized in New York City. The society had 40 charter members including the PM&R pioneer Frank H. Krusen, MD, who was AAPM&R president from 1941 to 1942. Membership was by invitation only and was limited to 100 doctors until 1944. In 1944, the society’s name was changed to the American Society of Physical Medicine. In 1951, it became the American Society of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. The Academy's current name was adopted in 1955.
Membership
AAPM&R offers several membership categories depending upon an individual’s credentials. Physicians who are board-certified in PM&R (as determined by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, a certifying board of the American Board of Medical Specialties) are "Fellow" members. There are also categories for residents, international physicians, medical students and academic researchers.
AAPM&R’s membership reflects the diversity of the specialty of PM&R. Member physicians may treat amputations, pain (neck, nerve, arthritic, back), injuries (brain, spinal cord, sports-related), rehabilitation (cardiac, geriatric, pediatric) and more. Some physiatrists treat multiple conditions while others may focus on specific areas of interest. Physiatrists' practices also vary. While some practice in hospitals and rehabilitation centers, others work in private practices or with other types of physicians (for example, orthopedic surgeons, family physicians).
Recognizing the diversity of the specialty and its membership, the academy established member councils in 2009. The councils bring together clinical segments of the membership in communities: central nervous system rehabilitation, musculoskeletal medicine, medical rehabilitation, pain medicine/neuromuscular medicine and pediatric rehabilitation/developmental disabilities.