PM&R took a lead role after World War II when disabled veterans or soldiers with physical impairments returned home.
Member physicians may treat amputations, pain (neck, nerve, arthritic, back), injuries (brain, spinal cord, sports-related), rehabilitation (cardiac, geriatric, pediatric) and more.
In addition to the Annual Assembly, the Academy holds several other live courses and workshops covering musculoskeletal ultrasound, spinal procedures, coding and billing, and spasticity and dystonia.
The academy also seeks to position the specialty strategically in the quality environment; advocates for increased responsiveness of research to the rehabilitation needs of people with physical disabilities and the professionals who provide services to them; works to expand practice management services for members; and advocates on behalf of members' professional interests.
The academy has taken a lead role in advocating for the rehabilitation of wounded service men and women and disabled veterans returning from the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts.
The academy advocates for these individuals through alliances with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, participation in congressional symposiums, and meetings with staff.
For example, iy works toward the long-term goal of passing legislation that will remove admissions quotas and return the physiatrist to the position of freely determining what type of rehabilitation is medically necessary for any given patient.
In addition to its efforts as a national society, it places a priority on assisting physiatrists at the state level through grassroots advocacy on critical practice issues.
The academy encourages members to be involved with their state PM&R societies to organize and develop a strong lobbying infrastructure.
Published by Elsevier, it provides research and education directly related to PM&R topics and emphasizes principles of injury, function and rehabilitation.
The print newsletter is distributed to all members ten times a year and includes updates on legislation, education, jobs and products or programs related to PM&R and the academy.