Benefits of Membership

Your Academic Home for Physiatry

The Association of Academic Physiatrists (AAP), founded in 1967, is an influential and intimate professional society with a mission to advance the specialty through research and education. Our members and Annual Meeting attendees are zealous about how we're a welcoming group, inspirational family and supportive setting among thought-leaders while also being a mental springboard, stimulating environment and treasure trove of resources.

We continue to grow with our specialty year-round by connecting you to meaningful programs, publications, professional development and people. Discover your reason to make the AAP your academic home for physiatry.

Top 5 Reasons to Join the AAP

Advance Your Career

The AAP gives you exclusive access to invaluable programs, events and initiatives designed by and for experts in the specialty to support your career growth.

From mentoring opportunities and programs for every career stage to the AAP's Annual Meeting and year-round publications, we offer resources that will help you take the next step in your career. You can also count on us to improve your skills and stay abreast of the latest advances - including funding opportunities, our Virtual Campus and physician wellness tips!

We have virtual didactics to help you grow along with your department’s shifting priorities. Watch them on-demand for free!

Make Lifelong Connections

When you join the AAP, you belong to an influential community that is best known for being welcoming and supportive. The AAP's Annual Meeting personifies this by offering you an intimate environment to connect and learn with peers and mentors across the country. Physiatry '25, our next Annual Meeting, taking place in Phoenix, AZ in February 2025, is not one you will want to miss! (Did we mention that members get a discount on registration?)

Listservs, our weekly member e-newsletter, active councils, podcasts, Physiatry Forward (our quarterly magazine) and mentor programs also allow you to stay connected, share best practices and invigorate your passion for PM&R.

Discover Cutting-Edge Research

Adding your name to the ranks of over 2,900 leaders and rising stars from 70 countries (and growing!) declares your dedication to continued growth in rehabilitation research, education and patient care.

Not only are you supporting programs and initiatives that advance the specialty, you will have access to cutting-edge research with the American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, a leading medical journal in rehabilitation. AAP members also get free access to Physiatry in Motion, a quarterly publication created by the Resident/ Fellow Council.

Interested in growing your research career? Look no further than the AAP’s Rehabilitation Medicine Scientist Training Program (RMSTP). Learn more about RMSTP and how it’s launched the careers of many renowned physician-scientists.

Develop Your Leadership

Participate as an active leader in a variety of national workshops and volunteer positions that will develop your skills as you give back to your specialty. The AAP is always seeking volunteers for committees (such as Research, Education and Membership!) and mentors for rising stars.

If you’re ready to rise through the ranks of leadership, the AAP’s Program for Academic Leadership (PAL) can help! Learn more about PAL and meet our esteemed alumni.

Build Your Future

Getting past today might be a challenge for you, but we can pave the way for your future. As a physician, educator, researcher, coordinator or administrator, you will receive resources and networks that will give you an edge in your career. As a trainee, you will have opportunities to connect with leaders and find camaraderie in peers outside of your institution.

Your membership also supports and gives you access to programs that advance our specialty, such as the Program for Academic Leadership (PAL), the Rehabilitation Medicine Scientist Training Program (RMSTP) and Medical Student Externships (RREMS and MSSCE).

Physiatry Connect

Join the Conversation

Check out your newest AAP member benefit: Physiatry Connect! It's a platform designed to help build meaningful connections, share resources, and collaborate with peers across the physiatry community.

Whether you're just starting your journey or are well-established in your career, Physiatry Connect offers a dedicated space for conversation, support, and innovation in PM&R.

Find Your Community

Testimonials from AAP Members

Justin Hata, MD

Chair & Associate Professor, Loma Linda University

"Membership in the AAP afforded me the opportunity to meet and be mentored by leaders in PM&R. The fact that these friendships and mentorships are encouraged by the AAP is priceless."

Danielle Perret Karimi, MD

Associate Clinical Professor, UC Irvine

“The AAP is how I stay in touch with everyone I trained and everyone who trained me - and they are all now great friends, mentors and advisors. The AAP is also how I remain connected to solutions. All academic physiatrists face similar challenges, and the resources and peer support I receive are applicable and invaluable. The leadership, talent and innovation within the AAP is truly impressive. I am forever connected to PM&R luminaries!”

Adam Stein, MD

Chair and Professor, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell

“Membership in the AAP has been critically important in each stage of my career development. In particular, the mentoring I received in the Residency Program Directors and Chair Councils have been plentiful and consistently applicable. The AAP is indeed my academic home for physiatry.”

Questions?

Contact the AAP's membership team at (410) 654-1000 or email us.

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