Volume 2
/
Issue 5
/
May 2010
PM&R - The journal of injury, function, and rehabilitation
3 Days, 8 Experts, 1 Place to Learn About the Cervical Spine On August 27-29, 2010, the Academy presents AAPM&R Comprehensive Management of Cervical Spine Disorders in downtown Chicago. This three-day course is taught in the context of the rehabilitation model and includes lectures, interactive breakout sessions, and hands-on learning rotations through cadaver stations at the RIC Academy of the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. “There are other courses out there that are just teaching the procedures and needle placement,” said Course Director Christopher Plastaras, MD. “This one is couching needle placement and technique along with the physiatric approach to cervical spine pain, incorporating EMG, radiographic findings, the physical examination, and the physical therapy approach.” A “dream team” faculty This comprehensive course is taught by Plastaras and a highly regarded faculty: ●
●
● ●
Physiatrists Josh Rittenberg, MD, and Kirk Puttlitz, MD, are both former Spinal Procedures Workshop course directors. Physiatrists Larry Chou, MD, Larry Frank, MD, and Amy Phelan, MD, have received excellent reviews for prior teaching experiences. Radiologist Ruth Ramsey, MD, wrote Teaching Atlas of Spine Imaging (Thieme, 1999), a textbook on MRI. Wellington Hsu, MD, holds dual appointments in orthopedic surgery and neurosurgery and works within the rehabilitation model.
“In addition, we’ve landed the Michael Jordan of physical therapists to teach the McKenzie mechanical diagnosis: Annie O’Connor, PT,” said Plastaras. “I don’t know of a better physical therapist.” Personal, hands-on guidance Faculty will aid attendees with hands-on practice related to the physical exam and the cadaver stations. “You’re getting an opportunity to drive the needle yourself and place it in the appropriate location with the supervision of an experienced teacher – you can never do that remotely,” said Plastaras. “To have someone patiently guide you and say, ‘Why don’t you rotate the needle this way,’ that sort of feedback has to happen in person.” Attendees will learn information they can use right away. Because many physiatrists write prescriptions for physical 482
therapy, Plastaras said attendees will especially appreciate the approach to the McKenzie diagnosis and treatment evaluation. Physiatrists who have only performed a handful of cervical spine procedures will also become more comfortable incorporating new injections in the future. Chicago at its best This year, AAPM&R offers the only cervical course in downtown Chicago. The location is serviced by two airports as well as Chicago’s famed public transportation: the “L.” Attendees are encouraged to stay in the AAPM&R room block at the Affinia Hotel (rate: $149/night). The hotel is located a short walk from the meeting at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, the famous Magnificent Mile (Michigan Avenue), and the sailboats and beaches of Lake Michigan. With average August temperatures in the 70s, the Chicago lakefront is the ideal place to visit and update your skills. Register today at www.aapmr.org to hold your place at the comprehensive cervical course designed just for you.
A Breath of Fresh Air at the 2010 Annual Assembly in Seattle Looking for one meeting that allows you to gain perspective on your practice and enjoy a picturesque getaway? The AAPM&R 2010 Annual Assembly, November 4-7 in Seattle offers the perfect combination. Seattle is one of America’s top destinations, attracting more than 9.4 million visitors and 430,000 cruise passengers each year. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport serves 71 domestic cities, 18 international cities, and 27 airlines; and light rail transportation links visitors from the airport to the downtown area. Seattle’s waterfront overlooks Puget Sound and is just seven blocks from the Washington State Convention & Trade Center where the meeting will be held. Vancouver, site of the 2010 Winter Olympics, is across the border to the north (bring your passport). And the towering Cascade Mountains (including Mt. Rainier and Mt. Saint Helens) can be viewed to the east. Many of Seattle’s best sights are just a short walk/free bus ride from the convention center, including the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, Pioneer Square, and the Seattle Asian Art Museum. Family fun Thinking about bringing a significant other or children? There’s something for all ages in Seattle: ●
Seattle Aquarium, Children’s Museum, and Woodland Park Zoo
PM&R
● ● ●
Pacific Science Center’s IMAX theater and laser light show Experience Music Project/Science Fiction Museum – celebrate rock ‘n’ roll and alternate realities Olympic National Park and Vancouver where the popular Twilight movies were filmed
Stay at AAPM&R Hotels Maximize your time at the Assembly by staying in one of the Academy’s hotel blocks. The Academy worked diligently to negotiate low group rates at hotels that are convenient to the convention center. Visit www.aapmr.org for more information, and book your room by October 6 to receive the Academy room rate (rooms are subject to availability). Headquarters hotel: The Sheraton Seattle is the headquarters hotel for the 2010 Annual Assembly. Two preconference courses (musculoskeletal ultrasound and neuron disorders) will be held at the hotel along with the President’s Reception on Saturday night. Situated in the city’s vibrant core and steps away from the Washington State Convention & Trade Center, the hotel provides breathtaking views of the Emerald City. Enjoy a dip in the indoor swimming pool or have a bite to eat with a colleague at the Daily Grill. Room rate: $219 single/double occupancy; phone: (206) 621-9000 Additional rooms: Rooms are also available at the Grand Hyatt Seattle. Two preconference courses (manual medicine and coding/billing) will be held at the Hyatt, and the convention center is just half a block away. The Grand Hyatt offers a whirlpool and spa; guests can also grab coffee and food with a colleague at Starbucks and Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse. Room rate: $235 single/double occupancy; phone: (206) 774-1234 Register for the Annual Assembly today at www.aapmr. org. See you in Seattle!
Vol. 2, Iss. 5, 2010
483
[email protected] by June 11, 2010. With one click, you could help AAPM&R discover a new Academy leader. The Academy sent a ballot to members via e-mail in May; a link to the ballot is available on the Academy Web site. You could also mail or fax your nomination. Write a quick letter of recommendation including your name, e-mail address, the nominee’s name, and the title of the award/position. Fax it to (847) 737-6103 (Attn: Nominating Committee). OR mail your nomination to AAPM&R, Attn: Nominating Committee, 9700 West Bryn Mawr Ave., Suite 200, Rosemont, IL 60018. Questions? E-mail info@ aapmr.org or call (847) 737-6000. The Academy is continually collecting nominations for all elected positions regardless of current terms. All nominations submitted will be kept on file and reviewed as positions open. Elections for open positions will be held at the AAPM&R 2010 Annual Assembly.
Attention: Your Subscription May Soon End AAPM&R members who have not renewed their AAPM&R membership by May 31, 2010, will be dropped from the membership roster. Members who are dropped will stop receiving valued Academy products and services, including a free subscription to this journal. Remember, no other organization represents the specialty of PM&R at the national level. Renew your dues today to remain part of the voice of the specialty in 2010. Looking for a fast, convenient way to pay? Renew online today at www.aapmr.org. In addition to paying your dues online, you’ll be able to sign up for a clinical home in a Member Council or in a Community Network.
Help the Academy Discover New Leaders Academy members: Do you have leadership skills and leadership experience? Do you know of a colleague with leadership skills and experience? Nominate yourself or a colleague for an AAPM&R officer position or to serve on the Academy’s Nominating Committee. Your input is important: AAPM&R is seeking nominations for these officer positions (position descriptions available at www.aapmr.org): ● ● ● ●
Board of Governors: Vice-President (two years previous service on AAPM&R Board of Governors required) Board of Governors: Secretary Board of Governors: Treasurer Board of Governors: Member-at-Large
The General Membership also elects: ●
Nominating Committee: Member
Your input is easy: Nominating your colleagues for one of these positions is easy: Just e-mail your nomination to
Spasticity SAE-P Helps Meet MOC Requirements Don’t miss this self-assessment examination for practitioners (SAE-P) on acadeME® (www.me.aapmr.org): Advanced Assessment and Management Skills for Spasticity, Dystonia, and Related Motor Disorders. This SAE-P is based on the 2009 Annual Assembly preconference course of the same title. Like the preconference course, this SAE-P will review areas of assessment and treatment of motor disorders commonly seen in physiatric practice, including spasticity, dystonia, and other related conditions. Physicians can engage in a “testing” environment, including comprehensive commentary and references for each question; this provides learning that focuses on the practical aspects of managing various motor disorders. The Academy is excited to present this new specialtyspecific educational offering, which is designated for 8 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ and helps fulfill the Part II Self
484
Assessment requirement of ABPMR Maintenance of Certification® (MOC). Learn about spasticity, dystonia, and motor disorders from the comforts of home and complete part of your MOC requirements. Purchase this online SAE-P today at www. me.aapmr.org (click “Lifelong Learning” in the left navigation, then click “Self-Assessment Exams for Practitioners” and “SAE-P”).
Have You Claimed Your 2009 Annual Assembly CME? If you attended the AAPM&R 2009 Annual Assembly in Austin, TX, remember that you only have one year from the meeting date to claim continuing medical education (CME) credits. If you don’t claim your CME within a year, your credit will be forfeited. Don’t wait. Claim your CME on acadeME® (www.me.aapmr.org) today. CME earned from attending a live course such as the Annual Assembly must be claimed on ME. To obtain CME for the Assembly, physicians must complete an overall evaluation form on ME. Credit for the 2009 Annual Assembly must
AAPM&R ACADEMY NEWS
be claimed by October 25, 2010, or the credit will be forfeited.
PhyzForum Coming Soon AAPM&R will soon launch an online community called “PhyzForum” to bring members together from across the country to collaborate. This new network on the Academy Web site will remove obstructions to create a casual, simplified meeting experience. Members will be able to customize their online experience, choosing which content they want to view, which content they’d prefer to ignore, and what is delivered to their e-mail inboxes. PhyzForum removes the burden of finding a physical meeting room and a time that works for everyone. With PhyzForum, members will be able to share information within an online group at any time, day or night. Member Councils will serve as the test group; if you are a Council member, watch your e-mail inbox for a welcome message when PhyzForum launches. Eventually all members will be able to enjoy PhyzForum as a benefit of Academy membership.