Member May 2026: Aquatic Medicine: Poolside Perspectives — Member Networking Night-Session Recording

Video Transcription

Video Summary

This transcript captures the first session of the Aquatic Medicine Group, hosted by Dr. Brian Craback (BK) as a networking and educational meeting for PM&R physicians and other clinicians interested in aquatic sports medicine. The session began with AAPMR conduct and recording notices, then moved into introductions and discussion of how to build the field of aquatic medicine more broadly, including swimming, open water, diving, artistic swimming, and water polo.<br /><br />Erin Cameron, Director of Medical Services at USA Swimming, explained how clinicians can get involved: mostly through referral or by contacting her directly with a CV/resume, followed by an introductory call. She described the “mini medical team” used at events and noted that USA Swimming hopes to revive a sports medicine symposium next year. John Ulm and others emphasized the need for more education, webinars, and research, especially since the existing aquatic sports medicine literature is outdated.<br /><br />A major theme was the life-saving importance of swimming access and drowning prevention, especially for Black children and underserved communities. Participants also discussed the role of aquatic therapy in neurology, sensory regulation, spinal cord injury, autism, and general rehabilitation, as well as the importance of nutrition, sleep, and travel medicine for athletes. The meeting ended with a plug for the upcoming AAPMR annual meeting in Orlando.

Keywords

aquatic medicine

sports medicine

drowning prevention

swimming access

PM&R physicians

aquatic therapy

USA Swimming

rehabilitation

water sports