What is a Member Community?
AAPM&R members of all different backgrounds and experiences have a great way to connect with each other—AAPM&R Member Communities. Member Communities are self-identified, organically established communities offering opportunities for members to connect with each other, share experiences and advance the future of the specialty together!
View active Member Communities.
Member Communities can be:
- Clinically focused (i.e., stroke, sports medicine, etc.)
- Practice focused (i.e., Inpatient Rehabilitation, etc.)
- Identity focused (i.e., African American Physiatrists, LatinX in Physiatry, Women Physiatrists, etc.)
The focus and goals of the community are up to you and your peers! You simply need to complete the application process, which requires 1 designated chair to be the liaison with the Academy and a minimum of 10 community members who are AAPM&R members.
What resources are available for Member Communities?
Resources and engagement opportunities for Member Communities are now available, and include:
- A designated community on PhyzForum!
- The ability to meet throughout the year via Community Connect Virtual Sessions.
- Member Community chairs submit your request here.
- The opportunity to submit an educational session for Member May or the Annual Assembly.
- The opportunity to gather in a dedicated space at the Annual Assembly.
How do I apply to create a Member Community?
Member Communities can be created by completing the online application form. The community's name, goals/objectives, an interim chair, and at least 10 AAPM&R members are needed to submit the application. You will also need to provide a 1-3 sentence summary of your proposed community so that other members can better understand your community. Members can utilize the Member Directory to identify member names and email addresses.
How do I become a member and/or participate?
AAPM&R members can become a member of one or more communities by updating their member profile or contacting Member Services at (847) 737-6000.
How can I become a volunteer leader?
Member Communities will be hosting self nominations for their leadership positions this year.
If you would like to start your own Member Community, please complete the online application form. All members are encouraged to complete their PhyzForum Volunteer Profile. If you are chair of a Member Community, find your resources here.
How many current Member Communities are there?
Since members can apply to create a Member Community at any time, the list may vary.
Click here to view a list of active Member Communities.
How can our Member Community members communicate with one another?
Each Member Community receives their own AAPM&R PhyzForum Community, which is located on our main website. Member login is required.
Are there still Member Councils?
In January 2019, the AAPM&R Member Councils officially sunset with the help of previous Council leadership. A task force comprised of Council leaders and members of the AAPM&R Board of Governors worked collaboratively to create the Member Community model. While the insights and input received from the Councils over the years has been greatly appreciated, Academy physiatrist members, including Council leadership, have asked for better ways to connect, learn and grow together. The task force hopes physiatrist members see the Member Communities as a means for individuals to engage both within their identified groups as well as more broadly across the Academy.