Congratulations to William Micheo, MD, who is completing his term as President of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R).  Dr. Micheo currently serves as Chair of the Department of Physical Medicine Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine at the University of the Puerto Rico School of Medicine. He is a former Chief Resident at MossRehab, and credits his training at MossRehab with preparing him to provide excellent care for patients and inspiring his focus on the specialty of physical medicine and rehabilitation. “My time at MossRehab instilled in me the importance of education, clinical practice and research. I had good mentors and great friends,” says Dr. Micheo. 

Dr. Micheo’s record of leadership at AAPM&R was distinguished by assembling a top-notch team of experts who developed specific goals and a strategic plan for serving physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians. His legacy also includes overseeing the creation of advanced educational materials for practitioners and advocating for individuals with temporary or permanent disabling conditions, chronic pain, and musculoskeletal injuries. “I hope the legacy I leave is inspiring an ongoing commitment to a team approach, so that all leaders are working together for the same goal – delivering outstanding patient care and enhancing patient quality of life,” states Dr. Micheo.

Dr. Micheo recommends that future goals for the physical medicine and rehabilitation community include adapting to changes in healthcare reform and ensuring that individuals with disabilities are not excluded from needed services. “We need to advocate for practitioners to be involved in healthcare reform, and we need to advocate for our patients who at times have no voice. Also, we should be involved in identifying best practices and understanding comparative effectiveness research in the interest of providing quality care.”