In response to the valuable insights gathered through the Visioning PM&R BOLD initiative and a comprehensive needs assessment involving feedback from our esteemed membership, it has become clear that there is a strong desire for training in leadership skills to empower physiatrists to excel in the new healthcare landscape. Particularly, the need to position and equip physiatrists to assume medical directorship roles has been identified as a priority in order to maximize the value of physiatry within healthcare.

To address this need, this program is designed to provide participants with essential knowledge and skills through three live virtual discussions with experts in the field of PM&R, complemented by a series of engaging online lectures. The program will cover several key topics that are crucial for effective medical directors, including leading change, understanding roles and governing structures, organizational behavior, utilization management, and strategies for success.

Upon successful completion of this program, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the regulatory environment surrounding different levels of in-patient rehabilitation, such as IRF, SNF, and LTACH. They will also acquire the ability to strategically plan for financially feasible service delivery within their chosen level of rehabilitation. Furthermore, participants will develop the skills necessary for successfully leading teams in post-acute settings, incorporating management principles for effective problem-solving, and spearheading quality improvement projects tailored to specific settings. Additionally, they will gain valuable insights into current CMS policies that dictate admission criteria for IRF, SNF, and LTACH.

This program is divided into multiple parts, which includes three live virtual discussions and two online lecture modules. The first live virtual discussion will take place on Wednesday, August 21 at 7pm Central Time. Upon completion of the live virtual discussion, you will have access to the first online lecture module. Within in this module, there will be a series of presentation for you to view prior to the second live virtual discussion, which will take place on Wednesday, October 16 at 7pm CT. Upon completion of this live virtual discussion, you will have access to the second online lecture module. Within in this module, there will be a series of presentation for you to view prior to the third live virtual discussion, which will take place on Wednesday, December 18 at 7pm CT. Participants will have access to all the presentations after the program has concluded. 

The first live virtual discussion taking place on Wednesday, August 21 at 7pm Central Time, will cover the following:

1. 15 Minute, Introduction to the Program
2. 40 Minutes, Leading Change
3. 15-20 Minutes, Discussion

The first online module will include presentations covering these main topics:

1. Role as a Medical Director
2. Governing Structure (impact on operations)
3. Organizational Behavior Role