Message From the Chair
This newsletter summarizes several important yearly Penn PM&R rituals: the graduation celebration for our board eligible physiatrists, and our research day in collaboration with Good Shepherd Penn Partners.
The graduation ceremony is a milestone Penn PM&R event in which we meet the family members of our graduating residents, pay thanks to our inspiring faculty members, and recognize outstanding achievements among faculty and residents. As the physiatrists for Penn Medicine, we are providing post-acute care for the most medically complex patients in this country. The clinical, educational and investigative environment in which Penn PM&R functions ensures that our graduating residents are prepared to work in the most complicated health care settings across the United States.
The annual research day documents the clinical and bench research investigation that our physiatrists, residents, and non-medical rehabilitation specialists are pursuing. Our graduating residents were featured during the podium presentations at this year’s research day. What clearly emerges from such an event is that the research pursuits at Penn PM&R are defined by a high level of collaboration, a wide diversity of ideas, and an impressive depth of knowledge.
The research and clinical foci of this newsletter bring to the forefront the pioneering roles of two individuals on the Penn PM&R faculty who are women. Dr. Yejia Zhang’s basic science research program in spinal disc degeneration, and Dr. Kate Temme’s leadership role in sports medicine at Penn Medicine are highlighted. Penn PM&R now has achieved a critical level of clinical depth in sports medicine with the recruitment of four subspecialists over the past six years including Dr. Temme, Dr. John Vasudevan, Dr. Alexis Tingan, and Dr. Jason Pan.
Finally, as an invitation and reminder to Penn PM&R alumnae across the country the who are reading this newsletter: if you are attending the 2018 Annual Assembly of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in Orlando, FL, please join us for Penn PM&R Alumni Reception on the evening of Thursday, October 25, 2018 between 7pm and 9pm at the Cuba Libre Restaurant, Callee 23, Pointe Orlando, 9101 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819.
Sincerely,
Timothy R. Dillingham, MD, MS
The William J. Erdman II Professor and Chair, and Physiatrist-in-Chief
Penn PM&R, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania