Opening Presidential Address and Wife & Death & Comedy-Session Recording

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Physiatry Day celebrates the role and capabilities of PM&R (Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation) physicians, presenting a new superhero, the Rehabilitation Avenger, who symbolizes their diverse skills such as healing, empathy, adaptive technology, and advocacy. The event is part of the 2024 AAPMNR Annual Assembly, attended by professionals devoted to improving patients' lives. Program Planning Committee Chair, Dr. Sarah Wong, expressed gratitude to volunteers and faculty, highlighting the robust agenda focused on diversity and education. Dr. D.J. Kennedy, Academy President, emphasized the power of PM&R, discussing challenges like reimbursement pressures and encroachment from other specialties, which threaten physician roles and contribute to burnout. He outlined Academy advocacy efforts, including engagement with Congress and CMS, to secure fair reimbursement and reduce burdensome prior authorizations. Dr. Kennedy stressed the importance of raising awareness of PM&R's value and pushed for continued education and policies enhancing physiatrists' roles. The gathering was noted as a record-breaking assembly of PM&R doctors, emphasizing community strength and shared goals. The plenary speaker, Dr. Will Flannery (Dr. Glaucon Fleckham), used humor to underscore systemic healthcare frustrations, particularly with insurance practices like prior authorizations. His skits address complex topics with comedic relief, serving as a catalyst for advocacy and social awareness. Through his story—marked by personal trials like overcoming cancer and cardiac arrest—he highlighted the power of humor as a coping mechanism and advocacy tool. The session concluded by stressing the essential role of social media in raising healthcare awareness.

Keywords

Physiatry Day

PM&R

Rehabilitation Avenger

AAPMNR Annual Assembly

Dr. Sarah Wong

Dr. D.J. Kennedy

advocacy

reimbursement

burnout

Dr. Will Flannery

healthcare awareness

social media