American Osteopathic College of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Advancing Spinal Cord Injury Care: Global Perspectives on Innovation and Diversity

Join student hosts Rhoda Hijazi, OMS-III, and Tommy Tsang, OMS-IV, as they delve into the evolving landscape of spinal cord injury rehabilitation with two extraordinary leaders in the field. In this special episode, we welcome Dr. Isaac Hernandez Jimenez, Chair of the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Americas Committee and Fellowship Director at UT Health Houston, and Dr. Melina Longoni, Vice Chair of the ASIA Americas Committee and Medical Director of ReDel Rehabilitation Center. Together, we explore how innovation, diversity, and global collaboration are transforming outcomes for patients with spinal cord injuries. From the latest advancements in rehabilitation to initiatives supporting inclusive care across Latin America, this conversation offers insights and inspiration for students, professionals, and advocates alike. Tune in to learn from their journeys, their challenges, and their vision for a future where mentorship, representation, and cutting-edge science intersect to reshape spinal cord injury care!

How to Make Your Rank List with Dr. Seidel and Dr. Momin

In this episode, our host Meghan Mardashti, one of the AOCPMR Multimedia Committee Co-Chairs, is joined by Dr. Seidel, DO, Program Director at UT Health San Antonio, and Dr. Momin, DO a third-year PM&R resident. They discuss key factors in ranking residency programs, balancing "fit" vs. prestige, common applicant mistakes, and how to make the final decision before submitting your rank list. Whether you're a fourth-year medical student in the thick of Match season or just starting your PM&R journey, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

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A Patient’s Journey Through Spinal Cord Rehabilitation

What does it take to recover from a spinal cord injury? In this episode, we sit down with Charlie Powell, a spinal cord injury survivor, to hear his powerful story of resilience, rehabilitation, and regaining independence.
Charlie shares his journey from the initial injury to long-term recovery, highlighting the impact of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) in restoring function and quality of life. We explore the challenges he faced, the role of a multidisciplinary rehab team, and the importance of setting realistic goals during the healing process.

Key Takeaways:
✔️ The emotional and physical challenges of spinal cord injury recovery
✔️ How PM&R specialists and rehab teams shape a patient’s journey
✔️ The power of goal setting in rehabilitation
✔️ Collaboration between rehab professionals
✔️ How healthcare providers can advocate for spinal cord injury patients

Listen now for a firsthand look at how rehabilitation medicine transforms lives.

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Instagram: @aocpmr
Youtube: AOCPMR

Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine with Dr. Unoma Akamagwuna

Join our host Meghan Mardashti, one of the AOCPMR Multimedia Committee Co-Chair, as she sits down with Dr. Unoma Akamagwuna, Assistant Professor and Fellowship Program Director for Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine.

In this episode, Dr. Akamagwuna shares her journey into pediatric rehabilitation medicine, insights into her daily practice, advancements in the field, and advice for those considering a pediatric subspecialty in PM&R. She also offers invaluable guidance on avoiding burnout and finding joy in your career, no matter where you are on your journey.

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Instagram: @aocpmr
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How to Ace Your Residency Interview with Dr. Nick Elwert, DO

Join our host, Meghan Mardashti, OMS4, and our guest Dr. Nick Elwert, AOCPMR Vice President and the Assistant Program Director of the University of Kentucky's PM&R Program, as he shares invaluable insights on how to navigate residency interviews. Dr. Elwert discusses his advice on essential dos and don’ts and how to talk about your strengths and weaknesses in interviews. Whether you're preparing for residency interviews or have started on the interview trail, this episode will help you put your best foot forward!

 

Website: www.aocpmr.org

Instagram: @aocpmr

Youtube: @AOCPMR

Spasticity, TBI, and Patient Advocacy with Dr. Cindy Ivanhoe, MD

In this episode, our host Meghan Mardashti, OMS 4, interviews Dr. Cindy Ivanhoe, director of the Spasticity and Associated Syndromes of Movement (SPASM) program at TIRR Memorial Hermann. Dr. Ivanhoe shares her journey in PM&R, expanding on her passion for brain injury and spasticity management.

Dr. Ivanhoe emphasizes the value of a multidisciplinary approach and offers valuable insights for aspiring physiatrists and medical students. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that blends knowledge and compassion in healthcare!

Don’t forget to leave a review and share what topics you’d like us to cover next.

Website: www.aocpmr.org

Instagram: @aocpmr

Youtube: @AOCPMR

Exploring Osteopathic Medicine in PM&R with Dr. Gina M. Benaquista DeSipio

Join us in this exciting episode as we sit down with Dr. Gina M. Benaquista DeSipio, an osteopathic physiatrist specializing in neurorehabilitation. Dr. Benaquista DeSipio Is board-certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R), Spinal Cord Injury Medicine, and Brain Injury Medicine. She runs her private practice in Philadelphia and serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, sharing her unique insights on integrating osteopathic medicine in PM&R.

We explore how her trauma-informed approach and mindfulness enhance patient care, discuss the role and future of osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) in rehab, and gain invaluable advice for medical students eager to incorporate osteopathic principles into their practice. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about the evolving field of PM&R!

The Intersection Between PM&R, Exercise, and Training with Dr. Felicia Mix, DO and Dr. Alexa Moreira, MD

Join us for a fascinating episode with Dr. Alexa Moreira and Dr. Felicia Mix, where we explore the intersection of exercise, training, and physiatry. Dr. Moreira, a graduating PM&R PGY4, shares her journey from sports to competing in bodybuilding, while Dr. Mix, a PMR PGY2, discusses her active background in CrossFit, swimming, running, and biking.

We delve into how weight training impacts physical health, injury prevention, and rehabilitation. Learn about common injuries in weight training and how physiatrists diagnose and treat them. Our guests also share their insights on motivating patients and balancing the risks and rewards of intensive exercise routines.

Studies discussed by Dr. Moreira include:

• Ángel Rodríguez, Miguel et al. “Injury in CrossFit®: A Systematic Review of Epidemiology and Risk Factors.” The Physician and sportsmedicine vol. 50,1 (2022): 3-10. doi:10.1080/00913847.2020.1864675
• Siewe, J et al. “Injuries and overuse syndromes in competitive and elite bodybuilding.” International journal of sports medicine vol. 35,11 (2014): 943-8. doi:10.1055/s-0034-1367049
• Keogh, Justin W L, and Paul W Winwood. “The Epidemiology of Injuries Across the Weight-Training Sports.” Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) vol. 47,3 (2017): 479-501. doi:10.1007/s40279-016-0575-0

Check us out on any of our social media channels and let us know what you think about our episode!

Website: www.aocpmr.org

Instagram: @aocpmr

Youtube: @AOCPMR

Sports Medicine in PM&R with Dr. Dan Cushman, MD

In this exciting episode, our host Meghan Mardashti, co-chair of the AOCPMR's Multimedia Committee, welcomes the esteemed Dr. Dan Cushman, a renowned expert in Sports Medicine and Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation.

Dr. Cushman is a leading figure in musculoskeletal injuries and nerve disorders in athletes, and he serves as the team physician for various University of Utah sports teams. With his innovative approach of using exercise as medicine, Dr. Cushman has become a prominent figure in sports epidemiology and musculoskeletal ultrasound.

The episode is packed with excellent advice for those interested in sports medicine and highlights the nuances between the Family Medicine and PM&R route. Don't miss Dr. Cushman's valuable insights at the end, where he shares his expert advice for those interested in this dynamic and rewarding field!

 

Check us out on any of our social media channels and let us know what you think about our episode!

Website: www.aocpmr.org

Instagram: @aocpmr

Youtube: @AOCPMR

Overcoming Mental Health Challenges with Dr. Morgan Cowan, DO

In this insightful episode, Meghan, our host, engages in a profound discussion about mental health with Dr. Morgan Cowan, a PGY-3 and administrative chief at UT Health PM&R. Dr. Cowan shares his personal journey and experiences with mental health during his 4th year of medical school, shedding light on the challenges he faced and how he sought help.

He provides an in-depth look into his experience with self-doubt and how he overcame it. Furthermore, he explains how these experiences have shaped his approach to residency, emphasizing the importance of resilience and self-care.

This episode serves as a rich resource for anyone looking to understand the mental health challenges faced in medical school and the strategies to overcome them.