Now available on your podcast platform of choice:
Advancing PM&R will also be available on other platforms - coming soon!
This series explores a wide range of themes and issues that are of interest and importance to our specialty, such as: the future of PM&R with new practice models, innovations critical to realizing PM&R BOLD, real-life challenges PM&R physicians are facing and more.
Our engaging hosts include Michelle Gittler, MD, FAAPMR, Medical Director at Schwab Rehabilitation 
Hospital and Prakash Jayabalan, MD, PhD, FAAPMR, the physician scientist director of the Nancy W. Knowles Strength and Endurance Lab at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.
We are excited to feature a diverse blend of guests who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, providing unique perspectives and insights on the topics we discuss.
Check out the first several episodes and stay tuned for additional episodes being released throughout 2024:
- Episode 1: Meet the Hosts – A Conversation with Dr. Michelle Gittler and Dr. Prakash Jayabalan
- Meet the hosts of Advancing PM&R and learn more about them, how they entered physiatry and what they are now up to in their career.
- Episode 2: A Conversation with Dr. Vovanti Jones
- Join our hosts as they hear from Vovanti Jones, MD, FAAPMR, a member of the Academy’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee and assistant professor at the University of Missouri-Columbia. In this episode, Dr. Jones discusses her training, leadership roles and life outside of medicine.
- Episode 3: A Conversation with Dr. Matthew Grierson
- Drs. Gittler and Jayabalan are joined by Matthew Grierson, MD, FAAPMR, the Academy’s Reimbursement and Policy Review Committee Chair, who recently opened a private practice, Sound Spine and Joint Physicians, and currently serves on the American Medical Association Relative Value Scale Update Committee.
- #AAPMR23 Special Episode: All About Networking
- Sarah Hwang, MD, FAAPMR, Program Planning Committee Chair is joined by Adele Meron, MD, FAAPMR, and Aaron Yang, MD, FAAPMR to discuss all the fun and networking coming up at this year’s AAPM&R Annual Assembly. Their discussion includes highlights of the Assembly, tips for starting conversations and a quick-fire section on networking opportunities for every career stage!
- #AAPMR23 Special Episode: Physiatry Day
- Sarah Hwang, MD, FAAPMR, Program Planning Committee Chair is joined by David Cheng, MD, FAAPMR, and Eric Wisotzky, MD, FAAPMR to discuss this year’s AAPM&R Annual Assembly and our 8th annual #PhysiatryDay. Their discussion includes what we love about our specialty, our Physiatry Day plans and a discussion about the fun here at #AAPMR23!
- #AAPMR23 Special Episode: 2023 Recap and 2024 Plans
- Sarah Hwang, MD, FAAPMR, Program Planning Committee Chair is joined by Rachel Brakke Holman, MD, FAAPMR to discuss this year’s AAPM&R Annual Assembly and to look ahead to next year. Listen in to hear highlights and some sneak peeks of next year’s plans!
- Episode 4: A Conversation with Dr. DJ Kennedy, AAPM&R President
- AAPM&R President, DJ Kennedy, MD, FAAPMR, discusses the year ahead and how the Academy is focused on supporting the individual physiatrist while strengthening the specialty. They also discuss volunteerism, leadership, and gathering together at the Annual Assembly.
- Episode 5: A Conversation with Dr. Alpha Anders, PHiT President
- AAPM&R Physiatrist in Training (PHiT) Council Board President Alpha Anders, MD, discusses PM&R residency and fellowship, advocacy including making a bigger table, and the ways networking can change your career trajectory.
- Innovators & Influencers Honoree Dr. Jessica Tse Cheng – Member May 2024 Special Episode
- Carla P. Watson, MD, FAAPMR, Inclusion & Engagement Committee Chair, is joined by one of AAPM&R’s Innovators & Influencers Honorees, Jessica Tse Cheng, MD, FAAPMR to discuss her career path and contributions to cancer rehabilitation medicine.
- Innovators & Influencers Honoree Dr. Mark T. Fisher – Member May 2024 Special Episode
- Monica Verduzco-Gutierrez, MD, FAAPMR, Inclusion & Engagement Committee member, is joined by one of AAPM&R’s Innovators & Influencers Honorees, Mark T. Fisher, MD, FAAPMR to discuss pediatric rehabilitation, adaptive sports practice and his role in placing the bid for Paraclimbing to be added to the 2028 Paralympic Games.
- Innovators & Influencers Honoree Dr. Shannon R. Strader – Member May 2024 Special Episode
- Ricky Ju, DO, PHiT Liaison to the Inclusion & Engagement Committee, is joined by one of AAPM&R’s Innovators & Influencers Honorees, Shannon R. Strader, DO, MS to discuss how she chose PM&R, matching into Cell Therapy Fellowship and her non-profit Bella Soul.
- Innovators & Influencers Honoree Dr. Stacey and Dr. Tracey– Member May 2024 Special Episode
- William Mosi Jones, MD, FAAPMR, Inclusion & Engagement Committee member and Diversity & Inclusion Chair is joined by two of AAPM&R’s Innovators & Influencers Honorees, Stacey C. Isidro, MD and Tracey C. Isidro, MD, FAAPMR to discuss their career path and contributions to cancer rehabilitation medicine.
- Innovators & Influencers Honoree Dr. Ravi Kasi – Member May 2024 Special Episode
- Michael R. Yochelson, MD, MBA, FAAPMR, Inclusion & Engagement Committee member is joined by one of AAPM&R’s Innovators & Influencers Honorees, Ravi E. Kasi, MD, FAAPMR, to discuss their career path and passion for medical student mentorship.