AAP’s DEI Statement

Public Statement About AAP’s Stance on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The Association of Academic Physiatrists (AAP) strives to be an organization where all members collaborate to support one another and to deliver the best care to vulnerable patients. The AAP is committed to building a community within and around the field of PM&R that is diverse across many dimensions including but not limited to age, race, ability status , gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, nationality, professional experience, veteran status, religion, socioeconomic status , education, and other distinctive characteristics.

AAP is dedicated to fostering an environment where every individual—whether a physician, researcher, trainee, or patient—has the opportunity to thrive. We recognize the national conversations challenging diversity and remain focused on what matters most—ensuring excellence in education, advancing research, and improving patient care.

Evidence shows that supporting the professional growth of all physiatrists and expanding access to high-quality rehabilitation care leads to better patient outcomes. AAP remains committed to providing the tools, resources, and opportunities that enable individuals to succeed and ensuring that every patient, including those from historically underserved communities and those with disabilities, receives the best possible care. Regardless of external challenges, we will continue to create an inclusive and supportive environment where all can contribute and excel.

As an organization working to become diverse, equitable, and inclusive, AAP members will be expected to be open-minded, continue to practice respectful conversations, and create the necessary space where everyone can feel safe to be authentic and open to each other’s identities and perspectives.

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Definitions

• Diversity includes but is not limited to age, race, ability status , gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, nationality, professional experience, veteran status, religion, socioeconomic status, education, and other distinctive characteristics. It also includes differences in background, thoughts, values, and ideas. Embracing diversity makes us better learners, providers, leaders, scholars, and advocates.
• Equity requires providing justice and fairness in access to opportunities and resources for all members of the community. We aim to nurture a cooperative, caring, and goal-oriented organization focused on reducing disparities in opportunity for historically marginalized and/ or underrepresented groups within the community and on reducing healthcare disparities .
• Inclusion encompasses assuring everyone feels welcomed and that diverse stakeholders have an active role in shaping the organization. Our aim is to foster a culture where every member of AAP is encouraged contribute their unique wisdom, perspectives, and experiences.
• Justice embodies dismantling barriers to resources and opportunities so that all individuals and communities live with a right to a safe, healthy, productive, and sustainable environment. We aim to acknowledge injustices and provide for personal and community empowerment.

 

Our Goals

The AAP aims to embody an anti-racist, diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization in order to:

• Foster a welcoming environment, safe space, and community for physiatry professionals of varied backgrounds to share experiences, find mentorship, grow personally and professionally, and make deep connections.
• Work with other AAP committees to promote greater representation of diverse perspectives in all levels of leadership and participation in the society.
• Serve as a resource for information on diversity and equity issues, leadership training, workshops, etc., especially for leaders and PM&R departments.
• Actively address barriers to recruitment and retention of underrepresented minorities in PM&R (URiMs), including but not limited to people of color, women, LGBTQ IA+- identifying individuals and people of all abilities.
• Reduce health care disparities in rehabilitation medicine.

 

Strategic Approach

To achieve these goals, the AAP will pursue the following:

• Identify effective approaches for achieving safe, inclusive environments, and safe reporting systems
• Actively and regularly evaluate its progress and solicit feedback
• Establish a Diversity & Community Engagement (DCE) Committee that will advocate, guide, and promote DEI initiatives