AAPM&R Future Leaders Program

Education

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The AAPM&R Future Leaders Program (formerly the Academy Leadership Program) was established by the Board of Governors in 2012 to identify a select number of diverse, emerging member leaders and to prepare them for specialty leadership and volunteerism, to encourage pursuit of future leadership positions, and to empower the specialty through the changes occurring in the health care environment.

In July 2019, the Academy Leadership Program was renamed/rebranded to the AAPM&R Future Leaders Program to more accurately represent both the Academy- and specialty-focused volunteerism aspect of the program.

The response to the Call for Future Leaders has been overwhelming year-after-year—with more than 80 applications submitted to fill 10 slots every 2 years.

Please contact Margaret Keating with questions.

Program Candidates

Learn more about each class:

Read more about the inaugural class in our feature article in The Physiatrist.

Criteria for Participation

The program is best suited for early-career physiatrists who have completed residency and fellowship training, and have been in practice for 3–10 years.
Participants must be a member of AAPM&R.
No previous leadership or Academy volunteer experience is required, but the program requires that applicants demonstrate interest, energy, and commitment to become a volunteer leader.
The program expects a steady stream of demonstrated commitment, communication, and accountability from participants.

Program Goals

Identify and train future leaders.
Immerse participants in the culture of volunteerism at the Academy.
Connect participants with strong Academy leaders in mission-critical roles.

Curriculum

Expert program facilitators take participants through a two-year curriculum that introduces them to association leadership, strategic planning, media skills, advocacy, and Academy governance, products and services. The curriculum combines facilitated sessions, reading assignments, peer discussion, and mentorship to help hone leadership skills.

Program Benefits Upon Completion

Participants will receive:

Certificate of completion
Recognition in member communications
Appointment to Academy volunteer position

Here’s what some of our past participants have to say about the program:

“This is truly an opportunity of a lifetime to help define the future of PM&R with the leaders of our field. As a young physiatrist, you get to make personal connections with our Academy's leaders and make decisions that will impact the future of our specialty.” – Monica Verduzco-Gutierrez, MD

“There will be very few opportunities in a member's professional career where they will have the opportunity to sit with a current board member and openly discuss issues relevant to the field and strategize on how to improve on those issues. It's a fantastic opportunity.” – Jeffrey Radecki, MD

“This program has helped me understand how the Academy organizes short- and long-term planning, and put in perspective how the Academy prioritizes its need to fulfill its mission.” – Alexios Carayannopoulos, DO

“This has been a great opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the careful thought processes and collaboration necessary to define new opportunities and goals for the Academy as it leads the specialty in the evolving health care environment. It is a very inspiring experience to see a group of people come together that are so passionate about the specialty and the Academy.” – Corinne Layne-Stuart, DO