Board of Governors

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BOG 2025

Specialty Leadership: Academy Board of Governors

The Academy Board of Governors leads our PM&R BOLD mission and vision. These dedicated leaders set the strategic direction for the Academy and its initiatives to transform the specialty and to position members for success.

President

Scott R. Laker, MD, FAAPMR

Learn more about Dr. Laker

Past President

D.J. Kennedy, MD, FAAPMR

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President-Elect

John C. Cianca, MD, FAAPMR

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Vice President

Charlotte H. Smith, MD, FAAPMR

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Secretary

Jose L. Vargas, MD, FAAPMR

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Treasurer

Atul T. Patel, MD, MHSA, FAAPMR

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Members-at-Large

Duplechan Headshot Lester S. Duplechan, MD, FAAPMR

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Gillis,-Theresa-240424-003_RTr_1200x800 Theresa A. Gillis, MD, FAAPMR

Learn more about Dr. Gillis

Marlis Gonzalez-Fernandez, MD, PhD, FAAPMR

Learn more about Dr. Gonzalez-Fernandez

Nneka L. Ifejika, MD, MPH, FAAPMR

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Strategic Coordinating Committee Chairs

Medical Education

Rachel Brakke Holman, MD, FAAPMR

Learn more about Dr. Brakke Holman

Health Policy, Practice and Advocacy

Susan Lee Hubbell, MD, FAAPMR

Learn more about Dr. Hubbell

Quality and Research

James A. Sliwa, DO, FAAPMR

Learn more about Dr. Sliwa

Specialty Brand Expansion

Jonathan H. Whiteson, MD, FAAPMR

Learn more about Dr. Whiteson

Inclusion and Engagement

Michael R. Yochelson, MD, MBA, FAAPMR

Learn more about Dr. Yochelson

Ex-Officio Liaisons to the Board of Governors

PM&R Journal Editor-in-Chief

Janna L. Friedly, MD, FAAPMR

Learn more about Dr. Friedly

Physiatrist-in-Training Council

Rosalynn Conic, MD, MPH, PhD

Learn more about Dr. Conic

AAPM&R Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer

Tracy J. Sereiko, MBA, CAE

More from the Board of Governors

Virtual Town Halls

To give you an opportunity to connect with the AAPM&R Board of Governors, we are hosting virtual town halls. Check back for more information on our upcoming meetings and view recordings on past virtual town halls.

Past Virtual Town Halls

July 12, 2022 Virtual Town Hall
- During this virtual town hall, the Board discussed how we can work together to create sustainable change to help move our local and national communities forward amid these times of continued violence against innocent individuals of all backgrounds.
April 12, 2022 Virtual Town Hall
- During this virtual town hall, the Board discussed PASC Learning Collaborative, advocacy successes, media opportunities, and answered any questions from attendees.
October 26, 2021 #AAPMR21 Virtual Town Hall
- During this virtual town hall, the Board discussed the upcoming 2021 Annual Assembly, including the Business Meeting and any questions from attendees.
July 27, 2021 Members-In-Training Virtual Town Hall
- During this virtual town hall, the Board connected with Members-In-Training to discuss how they can engage with the specialty, what they could do to help move PM&R forward and more.
April 27, 2021 Virtual Town Hall
- During this virtual town hall, the Board discussed our priority initiatives, including our Long COVID Call to Action, and listened to member concerns, challenges and needs.
January 26, 2021 Virtual Town Hall
- During this virtual town hall, the Board discussed concerns and needs regarding member experiences with COVID-19 long-hauler patients.
May 12, 2020 Virtual Town Hall
- During this inpatient-focused virtual town hall, the Board provided an update on the Academy's response to the FY 2021 CMS IRF Proposed Rule
June 9 2020 Virtual Town Hall
- During this outpatient-focused virtual town hall, the Board shared updates on how to secure PPE, our guide to re-opening, and more.