From Advocacy to Action: Engaging Learners in Activism to Build and Expand a PM&R Career

Saturday, February 21, 2026

10:15 AM - 11:15 AM AST

Location: 203

Course Director(s)

Ashlee Jaffe, MD, MEd (she/her/hers)

Associate Professor of Clinical Pediatrics and PM&R
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia/ University of Pennsylvania

Speaker(s)

Kayleigh D. Crane, BS (she/her/hers)

Medical Student
Central Michigan University
Lisa Y. Gong, BS, MA (she/her/hers)

Medical Student
Georgetown University School of Medicine
Rekha P. Swamy, BA (she/her/hers)

Medical Student
University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine
Leslie Rydberg, MD

Associate Professor; Medical Student Education Chair; Associate Residency Program Director
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab; Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine

Brief Session Description : Advocacy is a powerful tool for shaping the future of rehabilitation medicine, improving patient outcomes, advancing health policy, and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Engaging learners in activism not only enhances their education but also opens doors for career growth in academic medicine, leadership, and policy. This session will explore how physiatrists can incorporate advocacy training into education, inspire learners to take action, and leverage activism to build fulfilling careers. Panelists will share personal journeys, discuss successful strategies, and guide participants in mapping their own career paths through advocacy-driven work.