2026 Program for Academic Leadership (PAL) Application

The AAP is now accepting applications for the 2026 PAL Class. Deadline to apply is Monday, September 1.

The Physiatry Foundation will support one (1) International PAL participant in each class with a stipend to cover the $1200 tuition and partially cover travel expenses.

Candidates for the program must:

• Be an active member of the Association of Academic Physiatrists (AAP) or an active member of the International Society of Physical Rehabilitation and Medicine (ISPRM).
• Be full-time faculty members at an Instructor, Assistant Professor or Associate Professor level or be a full-time faculty member of a teaching hospital with an equivalent level to the US academic ranks of Instructor, Assistant Professor or Associate Professor.
• Have a minimum of 2 years (but not more than 8 years) experience post residency/ fellowship at the time of application
• Have demonstrated the desire and ability to assume a leadership role in their department, institution or the specialty of physiatry
• Attend the PAL course during each of three consecutive AAP Annual Meetings
• Plan and complete a Quality Improvement Project at their institution based on the topic presented at the AAP meeting. A poster presentation of the project will be due for the following year’s meeting.

Nomination materials:

• Candidates must be nominated by their PM&R academic department, division chair or chair equivalent. If the institution has no PM&R department or division, then a nomination can also come from a member of the AAP Board of Trustees or AAP Committee Chair in addition to their current Chair (non-PM&R). The nomination letter (1-2 pages) should discuss the candidate’s past achievements, current academic activities and potential for future academic success. Applications will not be considered without this nomination letter.
• Candidate’s current Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• A 500-word personal statement confirming the candidate’s academic career goals and desire to participate in this program
• Optional for International applications – Submit a letter of support from your national PM&R society or ISPRM.

More information on the PAL Program.