American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

The American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R) is the national medical specialty society for physicians who specialize in physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R). These physicians are called “physiatrists” or “rehabilitation physicians.” Founded in 1938, the mission of AAPM&R is to foster excellence in physiatric practice. AAPM&R also offers education, advocates for PM&R, and promotes PM&R research.

AAPM&R has more than 8,000 members representing a majority of the physiatrists in the United States and 37 countries. The organization is led by a board of governors, which includes the president, past president, president-elect, vice president, secretary, treasurer, members-at-large, and strategic coordinating committee chairs. The executive director is among the ex officio liaisons to the board.

PM&R began in the 1930s as a way to treat musculoskeletal and neurological conditions. Of note, PM&R took a lead role after World War II when disabled veterans or soldiers with physical impairments returned home. The specialty quickly grew as it attempted to help veterans restore function and return to their daily lives. In addition, during the 1940s and early 1950s physiatrists played a pivotal role in the treatment of individuals with Poliomyelitis.

Then called the American Society of Physical Therapy Physicians, AAPM&R was founded in 1938 in Chicago at the annual meeting of the American Congress of Physical Medicine. Walter Zeiter, MD, was elected executive director (a position he held for 22 years), and John S. Coulter, MD, was elected as the first president. In 1939, the Society was formalized in New York City. The Society had 40 charter members including PM&R pioneer Frank H. Krusen, MD (AAPM&R president from 1941–1942). Membership was by invitation only and was limited to 100 doctors until 1944. In 1944, the Society’s name was changed to the American Society of Physical Medicine. In 1951, it became the American Society of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. The Academy’s current name was adopted in 1955.

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