Advancing PM&R: An AAPM&R Podcast

In this episode of Advancing PM&R, Dr. Cianca shares the heart behind his vision for the year ahead. He talks about the values that guide his leadership, the opportunities he sees across physiatry and the importance of strengthening connection and community throughout our specialty. Tune in for an inspiring and personal look at the future of PM&R from your new Academy president.

Plenaries are where the entire PM&R community comes together! Thousands of physiatrists, one shared experience, and this year is all about inspiration, connection and the power of perspective. In this episode of Advancing PM&R, host Sarah Hwang, MD, FAAPMR, talks with AAPM&R President Scott Laker, MD, FAAMPR, and Rachel Brakke Holman, MD, FAAPMR, about what makes the plenary sessions at #AAPMR25 can’t-miss moments. From world-class speakers to meaningful conversations, hear how this year’s lineup captures the spirit of connection and growth that defines our Academy.

Get an insider’s look at the 2025 AAPM&R Annual Assembly in Salt Lake City! Join Program Planning Committee Chair Sarah Hwang, MD, FAAPMR with colleagues Chris McMullen, MD, FAAPMR, and Adele Meron, MD, FAAPMR, as they pull back the curtain on this year’s meeting theme: “There’s No Place Like AAPM&R.” From Advanced Clinical Focus Days to Physiatry Day celebrations, hear what makes #AAPMR25 the can’t-miss event for physiatrists at every career stage.

Michael R. Yochelson, MD, MBA, FAAPMR, Inclusion & Engagement Committee member is joined by one of AAPM&R’s Innovators & Influencers Honorees, Ravi E. Kasi, MD, FAAPMR, to discuss their career path and passion for medical student mentorship.

William Mosi Jones, MD, FAAPMR, Inclusion & Engagement Committee member and Diversity & Inclusion Chair is joined by two of AAPM&R’s Innovators & Influencers Honorees, Stacey C. Isidro, MD and Tracey C. Isidro, MD, FAAPMR to discuss their career path and contributions to cancer rehabilitation medicine.

Ricky Ju, DO, PHiT Liaison to the Inclusion & Engagement Committee, is joined by one of AAPM&R’s Innovators & Influencers Honorees, Shannon R. Strader, DO, MS to discuss how she chose PM&R, matching into Cell Therapy Fellowship and her non-profit Bella Soul.

Monica Verduzco-Gutierrez, MD, FAAPMR, Inclusion & Engagement Committee member, is joined by one of AAPM&R’s Innovators & Influencers Honorees, Mark T. Fisher, MD, FAAPMR to discuss pediatric rehabilitation, adaptive sports practice and his role in placing the bid for Paraclimbing to be added to the 2028 Paralympic Games.

Carla P. Watson, MD, FAAPMR, Inclusion & Engagement Committee Chair, is joined by one of AAPM&R’s Innovators & Influencers Honorees, Jessica Tse Cheng, MD, FAAPMR to discuss her career path and contributions to cancer rehabilitation medicine.

AAPM&R Physiatrist in Training (PHiT) Council Board President Alpha Anders, MD, joins Dr. Michelle Gittler and Dr. Prakash Jayabalan to discuss PM&R residency and fellowship, advocacy including making a bigger table, and the ways networking can change your career trajectory.

AAPM&R President, DJ Kennedy, MD, FAAPMR, joins Dr. Michelle Gittler and Dr. Prakash Jayabalan to discuss the year ahead and how the Academy is focused on supporting the individual physiatrist while strengthening the specialty. They also discuss volunteerism, leadership, and gathering together at the Annual Assembly.

Sarah Hwang, MD, FAAPMR, Program Planning Committee Chair is joined by Rachel Brakke Holman, MD, FAAPMR to discuss this year’s AAPM&R Annual Assembly and to look ahead to next year. Listen in to hear highlights and some sneak peeks of next year’s plans!

Sarah Hwang, MD, FAAPMR, Program Planning Committee Chair is joined by David Cheng, MD, FAAPMR, and Eric Wisotzky, MD, FAAPMR to discuss this year’s AAPM&R Annual Assembly and our 8th annual #PhysiatryDay. Their discussion includes what we love about our specialty, our Physiatry Day plans, and a discussion about the fun here at #AAPMR23!

Sarah Hwang, MD, FAAPMR, Program Planning Committee Chair is joined by Adele Meron, MD, FAAPMR, and Aaron Yang, MD, FAAPMR to discuss all the fun and networking coming up at this year’s AAPM&R Annual Assembly. Their discussion includes highlights of the assembly, tips for starting conversations, and a quick-fire section on networking opportunities for every career stage!

Drs. Gittler and Jayabalan are joined by Matthew Grierson, MD, FAAPMR an Academy volunteer who recently opened a private practice andcurrently serves on the AMA RVS Update Committee (RUC).

Join our hosts as they hear from Academy volunteer and Assistant Professor at University of Missouri-Columbia, Vovanti Jones, MD, FAAPMR as she discusses her training, leadership roles and life outside of medicine.

Meet Michelle Gittler, MD, FAAPMRand Prakash Jayabalan, MD, PhD, FAAPMR, thehosts of Advancing PM&R, a podcast by AAPM&R. During our first episode, learn more about the hosts as they learn more about each other, how they entered physiatry and what they are now up to in their career.