Description
This session focuses on the critical transition of care for individuals with spinal cord disease, including spina bifida and traumatic spinal cord injury, as they move from pediatric to adult providers. The overall objective is to address the unique challenges faced during this transition and highlight strategies for ensuring continuity of care. The session will begin with a brief overview of key statistics to contextualize the scope of the issue, followed by a dynamic panel discussion featuring experts who will share best practices and lessons learned from their experiences.  Participants will gain valuable insights into practical approaches for improving collaboration between pediatric and adult care teams, addressing gaps in care, and empowering patients and families throughout the process. This session is ideal for those interested in community issues, best practices, and networking with peers dedicated to optimizing care transitions for this population.

Learing Objectives
Learning Objective 1: Describe the key challenges and barriers involved in transitioning individuals with spinal cord disease (spina bifida and traumatic spinal cord injury) from pediatric to adult care providers.
Learning Objective 2: Identify best practices for ensuring continuity of care during the transition, including effective communication strategies and collaboration between pediatric and adult care teams.
Learning Objective 3:Compare the unique medical, psychosocial, and logistical considerations for transitioning individuals with spina bifida versus traumatic spinal cord injury
Learning Objective 4: Demonstrate how to implement strategies that empower patients and families to actively participate in the transition process and navigate complex care systems.
Learning Objective 5: Evaluate real-world examples and lessons learned shared by the panelists to improve transition processes in attendees' own clinical or community practices.

Member Community:
Spinal Cord Injury Medicine & PRM Current Fellows & Future Candidates

Faculty
Session Director: Shane Stone, MD, FAAPMR: Disclosed no relevant financial relationships.        
Brad Dicianno, MD, FAAPMR: Disclosed no relevant financial relationships.        
Maya Evans, MD, FAAPMR: Disclosed no relevant financial relationships.        
Gabrielle A. McDermott Schneider, DO, FAAPMR: Disclosed no relevant financial relationships.          

AAPM&R Medical Education Committee
John C. Cianca, MD: Ownership or partnership with Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Consultants, LLC.
Karen P. Barr, MD: Disclosed no relevant financial relationships.
Rachel A. Brakke Holman, MD: Disclosed no relevant financial relationships.
Joseph E. Burris, MD: Serves on the Speakers Bureau for, and received clinical research grants from Allergan.
David S. Cheng, MD: Disclosed no relevant financial relationships.
Theresa A. Gillis, MD: Disclosed no relevant financial relationships.
Kevin N. Hakimi, MD: Disclosed no relevant financial relationships.
Matthew T. Haas, MD: Disclosed no relevant financial relationships.
R.Samuel Mayer, MD: Royalties from Demos Medical Publishing.
Ameet S. Nagpal, MD MS MEd: Disclosed no relevant financial relationships.
Sunil Sabharwal, MD: Royalities from Demos Publishing; board member, American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
Sarah M. Smith, MD: Disclosed no relevant financial relationships.
Stephanie Tow, MD: Disclosed no relevant financial relationships.
Kevin R. VIncent, MD, PhD: Disclosed no relevant financial relationships.

AAPM&R CME Committee
Karen P. Barr, MD: Disclosed no relevant financial relationships.
Cherry C. Junn, MD: Disclosed no relevant financial relationships.
Sheryl R. Levin, MD: Disclosed no relevant financial relationships.
Kentaro Onishi, DO: Disclosed no relevant financial relationships.
Evan R. Peck, MD: Disclosed no relevant financial relationships.
Cynthia G. Pineda, MD: Disclosed no relevant financial relationships.
Patricia T. Tan, MD: Disclosed no relevant financial relationships.
Brionn K. Tonkin, MD: Disclosed no relevant financial relationships.
Kristin A. Wong, MD: Disclosed no relevant financial relationships.

No other planners, faculty or other individuals in control of content disclosed any relevant financial relationships.

FDA Disclosures
All faculty members for this activity have disclosed they do not intend to discuss or demonstrate any pharmaceutical or medical device for which FDA clearance has not been approved.