Academy News

AAPM&R 2010 Study Guide in Next Month's Issue of PM&R 

The popular AAPM&R Study Guide will be delivered next month in the March issue of PM&R. Don't forget to look for the purple cover to find your copy of this year's Study Guide.

The 2010 Study Guide will address the topic of pediatric rehabilitation. This issue will be a bonus issue to the sixth edition (which includes 2005-2009 Study Guides). The 2010 Study Guide will continue to present information on advances in PM&R with particular focus on updated clinical considerations.

In addition to reviewing the latest information on the topics listed above, practitioners can also assess their knowledge and earn AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ by completing the self-assessment examination for practitioners (SAE-P) that corresponds with the Study Guide topic. The SAE-P may be used as a means to fulfill the Part II Self Assessment requirement for ABPMR Maintenance of Certification© (MOC). Beginning with board certificates expiring in 2010 and beyond, ABPMR requires each diplomate to complete four SAEs in each 10-year MOC cycle.

CME Expiration Dates Approaching, Complete These CME Claims by March 

If you attended a live AAPM&R event or completed an AAPM&R educational activity, you may still need to claim your continuing medical education (CME) credits. Remember: You are not awarded CME simply for attending or completing an Academy activity; you must claim your CME after the activity to receive CME credits.

Time to Renew AAPM&R Membership for 2010 

AAPM&R members are part of the collective voice of PM&R in communities, practices and before Congress. There is no other organization that represents the specialty of PM&R at the national level. Join the Academy or renew your 2010 AAPM&R dues online today.

Why join or renew?

Join or renew online today at www.aapmr.org. All transactions are secure and payment receipts will be provided automatically. Visa, MasterCard, and American Express cards are accepted. In addition to paying your dues online, you'll be able to select and sign up for a clinical home in a Member Council or Community Network. AAPM&R is continually seeking ways to offer tangible benefits to members. Don't miss any of AAPM&R's programs and services in 2010.

Note: Dues invoices were mailed in November 2009; a second mailing was sent in January 2010. For more information or questions regarding payment of membership dues, contact AAPM&R Customer Service at (847) 737-6000.

Submit Research for the AAPM&R 2010 Annual Assembly 

The Academy invites submissions for clinical and basic science research findings to be considered for inclusion at the AAPM&R 71st Annual Assembly, November 4-7, 2010, in Seattle, Washington.

Visit http://aapmr2010.abstractcentral.com to learn more about the abstract submission process and to access the submission Web site. There is also a direct link to the site from www.aapmr.org. All authors must log on to the submission site and complete disclosure forms prior to submission. Please read the policies and guidelines carefully before beginning the process, and follow each of the steps closely while submitting your abstracts.

All information must be submitted by March 12, 2010, 5 pm (CST). AAPM&R will only accept abstract submissions online.

If you need technical assistance during this process, technical support will be available at (888) 503-1050 or via e-mail at acsupport@scholarone.com.

Academy Helps You Catch the Wave 

In response to member feedback about the interest of new training for musculoskeletal ultrasound use in your practice, your Academy developed a new suite of educational opportunities focused on this important, emerging technology. As part of this package, AAPM&R will host Diagnostic and Interventional Musculoskeletal Ultrasound of the Upper Extremity, June 11-13, 2010, in Las Vegas, NV. The extremely popular, advanced-level musculoskeletal ultrasound course sold out quickly.

Musculoskeletal ultrasound is a dynamic technology that utilizes high-resolution, real-time imaging of musculoskeletal features for effective diagnostic and interventional procedures. The three-day course in June will provide attendees with extensive, hands-on instruction for both diagnostic and interventional uses of ultrasound on live and cadaveric models. Lectures and demonstrations will accompany the hands-on learning which will be taught by 14 musculoskeletal ultrasound expert faculty.

Additional offerings throughout the next two years can help you discover how musculoskeletal ultrasound can enhance performance in your practice and improve the treatment of PM&R patients. These opportunities address all skill levels in a variety of learning mediums:

Learn more about musculoskeletal ultrasound education at www.aapmr.org. Remember: Courses are priced competitively, and members receive a sizable discount on all AAPM&R educational offerings.

Volunteer With AAPM&R in 2010 

AAPM&R has over 250 volunteers dedicated to achieving the goals and objectives of the organization. Working together, member volunteers do much of the work of the Academy. Academy members: Volunteer in 2010 to share your expertise, work together with member colleagues, and help advance the specialty.

Volunteer opportunities are available through committee and task force appointments as well as a number of project-driven opportunities throughout the year. Learn about committee opportunities online in the AAPM&R Member Center (at www.aapmr.org, click “Member Center” and view the committee listings in Membership Information). Learn about Member Council opportunities at www.aapmr.org/member/council_main.htm.

If you are ready to volunteer, download the volunteer form at www.aapmr.org/member/getinvolved.htm and return it to AAPM&R.

By telling the Academy about your areas of interest and expertise, Academy leaders can better place you in appropriate volunteer areas. A limited number of positions are available each year. If an opening is not immediately available, the Academy will keep your application in a database for two years. If you have questions, call (847) 737-6000 or e-mail mkeen@aapmr.org.

What's Happening With Health Care Reform? 

It's tough to follow all the news surrounding health care reform, but AAPM&R is keeping you up-to-date on the Web at www.aapmr.org. Click “Legislative, Business and Clinical Practice Issues” to view the Health Care Reform Hotline. The hotline includes the Academy's position on health care reform, updates from the House and Senate, and news specific to PM&R.

Academy members also receive health reform updates through the AAPM&R Connection e-newsletter and Calls to Action sent via e-mail. Academy members: Make sure we have your current e-mail address on file so you can continue to receive these news flashes. Review your preferred e-mail address in your member profile at www.aapmr.org. And be sure to visit acadeME® (www.me.aapmr.org) to download the “Health Care Reform From a PM&R Physician's Perspective,” a presentation based on the Health Care Reform Town Hall meeting from the AAPM&R 2009 Annual Assembly.