Networking Through Concussion

Article Outline

• Copyright

As editor-in-chief, one of my primary responsibilities is to facilitate the transfer of scientific information; thus, I am determined to advance PM&R as the vehicle to stimulate this exchange of knowledge. But as it more specifically relates to the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R), I am also promoting the strengthening of bonds between the various subgroups within this organization (and frankly, within physiatry as a whole) using the journal as the conduit. I fully support the idea that the principles of physiology and function crosscut and embody all aspects of this specialty; therefore, the scaffolding is already in place to encourage the development of these bonds. In my opinion, there is currently no subject matter that enhances these physiatric relationships greater than mild traumatic brain injury. Further to the point, in this issue of PM&R, I am pleased to present a special feature on concussion in sports and an accompanying opinion piece that speaks to the overall value of physiatry, and specifically to the role of the physiatrist in this particular arena.

It is a privilege to be chosen to copublish the paper, Consensus Statement on Concussion in Sport: The 3^rd International Conference on Concussion in Sport (Zurich, November 2008), developed by an international group of multidisciplinary experts. Twelve other journals will be publishing this paper, as indicated on page 406 of this issue. Assessing and managing athletes with concussion seems a natural opportunity for physiatrists—whether a brain injury specialist, pediatric rehabilitationist, or sports physician—to demonstrate our unique knowledge and expertise through the deep-rooted principles and understanding of both physiology and function. This concept and the opportunity it presents are eloquently discussed in the Invited Perspective by one of the leading national and international physiatrists in the area of sports concussion, Stanley Herring, MD.

For purpose of full disclosure, I have worked side by side with Dr. Herring for the past 20 years. But it does not take too long to appreciate the wealth of his experience as a sports medicine doctor and team physician, and most pertinent to this issue, his cutting edge expertise in concussion in sports. He was a panel member at the Zurich conference, and I have invited him to provide a perspective addressing the role of physiatrists “at the inter-specialty sports-concussion table.” Dr. Herring provides unique insight and identifies interesting parallels to the better-known role of physiatrists as providers of care for traumatically brain-injured people.

Which leads me back to my editorial duty and fiduciary responsibility to the readers of PM&R and members of AAPM&R: to provide a venue for the sharing of information, and the stimulus to build intra-organizational communication channels. I was thrilled to copublish the Zurich Concussion Consensus Statement. It signifies that physiatrists are welcome in this forum. Certainly there are idiosyncrasies to being a sports physician that not all physiatrists may appreciate, as there likewise is an extensive knowledge of physiology of neurorecovery that resides mainly with the neurorehabilitationist; but each should be dedicated to sharing clinical insight with the other.

Building networks and strengthening bonds, the essence of a thriving organization and a successful publication. In this particular instance (ie, concussion in sports), the impetus came from an outside entity. But AAPM&R members, capitalizing on the newly devised Academy council model, should continuously seek common interests and identify opportunities to promote dialogue within PM&R. I am offering that those ideas be filtered, refined and forwarded to me, or one of the senior editors, for further consideration and discussion. It's your Academy and your journal. I encourage you to be involved.

• † Disclosure: nothing to disclose