Description

This session will explore the critical role of physiatrists in the comprehensive care of individuals with motor neuron diseases (MND), including ALS. We will discuss best practices in interdisciplinary management, optimizing function and quality of life, and addressing challenges in disease progression. The session will highlight the intersection of neuromuscular medicine, rehabilitation strategies, and electrodiagnostic techniques in diagnosing and managing MND. Additionally, we will consider the role of physiatrists as team leaders, both in clinical care and in driving research efforts to advance treatment strategies for MND.  

The format will be a interactive session, featuring short presentations followed by a panel discussion and Q&A. Our goal is to foster meaningful discussion on the evolving role of PM&R in MND care, share insights on emerging treatment approaches, and encourage knowledge exchange among attendees. This session is designed to be engaging and informative, offering practical takeaways for physiatrists working in neuromuscular medicine and rehabilitation.

Learning Objectives

• Learning Objective 1: Describe the role of physiatrists as leaders in the interdisciplinary management of motor neuron diseases (MND), including ALS, and discuss rehabilitation strategies to optimize function, quality of life, and patient-centered care.
• Learning Objective 2: Identify emerging research and therapeutic advancements in MND, including the contributions of physiatrists to clinical trials, rehabilitation research, and disease-modifying interventions.
• Learning Objective 3: Engage in an interactive discussion on the evolving role of PM&R in MND care and research, exploring opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and leadership within interdisciplinary teams.

Accreditation Statement
The American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Designation of Credit
The American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R) designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.  

Financial Disclosures
AAPM&R requires all individuals who are in a position to control the content of an educational activity to disclose all relevant financial relationships with any commercial interest, which is any entity producing, marketing, re-selling or distributing health care goods or services consumed by, or used on, patients. Disclosures are made in written form prior to the start of the educational activity and any potential conflicts of interest that exist are resolved prior to the start of the activity through AAPM&R’s Conflict of Interest Disclosure and Resolution Policy Process. Individuals in a position to control content and their disclosed financial relationships are listed below.

Faculty
Session Director: Colin Franz, MD, PhD, FAAPMR   

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.