ACRM’s Evolving Mission: Opportunities to Promote Rehabilitation Research

Heinemann AW. ACRM’s evolving mission: opportunities to promote rehabilitation research. This presidential address reflects on the history and mission of the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine (ACRM) and considers the benefits derived from joint ownership of Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation with the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R). Much of ACRM’s history has been distinguished by collaboration with AAPM&R on essential concerns. Evolving organizational priorities have resulted in distinct association missions that have consequences for joint ownership of Archives. The journal has grown in important ways in the past 86 years from a solo editor to an editorial board and to joint ownership and sponsorship of alternating issues. The quality of Archives has improved substantially in the past decade, with an improving impact factor and an increasing number of manuscript submissions. A new contract with the publisher provides an opportunity to consider the relationship between the Congress and Archives and what kind of benefit ACRM desires it to be for its members, to the larger community of physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R), and to the persons with disabilities we as PM&R professionals seek to serve. Archives is well positioned to fulfill ACRM’s focus on promoting rehabilitation research and facilitating information dissemination and technology transfer. An internationally respected journal is an excellent means to disseminate rehabilitation research that promotes health, independence, productivity, and quality of life for people with disabling conditions. This new chapter in the relationship between Archives and the Academy and Congress provides several opportunities for rehabilitation research leadership. More than ever, Archives provides a premier mechanism to fulfill the Congress’s mission and to promote our sense of community.