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See and Hear What Past Attendees are Saying About ACRM

 

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Comments from 2016 attendees…


“The ACRM annual conference is the largest, most innovative interdisciplinary meeting in the world.”

Rosette Biester, PhD, Neuropsychologist, Polytrauma Program at the Corporal Michael Crescenz VA Medical Center


“It was a great experience. Congratulations to ACRM.”  —Denise Cunha

 

“This is the organization for interdisciplinary rehabilitation.” —Dr. Ariana Vora, Harvard/Spaulding PM&R
“Best conference for interdisciplinary discussions” —Carol Dionne

 


Gregory Smith

“The scope of the offerings and the focus on future technology and treatment approaches are unmatched anywhere.”  

—Gregory T. Smith PhD, Psychologist, CARF surveyor


“This conference is an excellent opportunity to meet & connect with fellow researchers in your discipline. It is also inspiring to be with so many like-minded people in a field that may not be glamorous but is essential to recovery of wellbeing.” —Tyler Mitchell
“Something for everyone in Rehabilitation” —A. McEnroeO’Connor, PT, MBA
“Very nice conference in the world.” —Katarzyna Hojan
“The conference was truly engaging and inspiring, and the interprofessional papers on rehabilitation research were of high quality.” —Jayanti Ray
“Broad spectrum of presenters with a wealth of knowledge in Rehabilitation Medicine” —Grace Fultz
“This is a tremendous event that facilitates good learning collaboration and networking” —Noelette Matthews

 


Bettie Beckworth

“The ACRM annual conference is an opportunity for education and professional growth at all career levels, to hear cutting-edge research findings from the source and to engage with other professionals, to meet with colleagues and friends and to develop new ties. If you haven’t been before, don’t miss Atlanta!” 

Bettie Beckworth


“Provided inspiring sessions that encouraged me to consider more research (especially the Researcher who headed up the award-winning poster presentation tour)” —Mary Hamilton, MSc (OT), Thesis, BSc (OT), BSc

“The ACRM 2016 Conference afforded an enjoyable and useful update in a variety of neurorehabilitative topic of value to the practicing physiatrist.”

—Jeffrey S Hecht MD, Associate Professor & Chief, Division of Surgical Rehabilitation, Department of Surgery, University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine, Knoxville, TN


“This is the conference to attend to network with all of the key players in medical rehabilitation.” —Marcia Scherer

“It is a unique experience to network and learn from leaders in many different fields from all over the world.” —Misti Timpson

 

“It was great to expand my research areas” —Ickpyo Hong, PhD, OTR/L, University of Texas Medical Branch
“Rehab is made by a multitude of feeds of knowledge which the finality is re integrate individuals in the society.” —Sam Schinazi

 


Rebecca Eberle

“Extremely high quality speakers and sessions. Presenters who are passionate about the research and clinical work in which they are engaged. I enjoyed learning from others who are excited about the work in which they are exploring.”

—Rebecca D. Eberle, MA, CCC-SLP, BC-ANCDS, Clinical Professor, Indiana University


“Thank YOU! I enjoyed the conference and did meet new people, who also are enthusiastic for rehabilitation! That is very good!!” —Päivi Tupala

 

“ACRM conference provides wonderful opportunities to connect with other researchers, especially for early career attendees. I have made valuable contacts through the conference.” —Alison Cogan, PhD (cand.), OTR/L, University of Southern California

“It is a great place to come together with colleagues and friends in both science and clinical practice from around the world.” —Gordon Horn, PhD

 

“ACRM is a venue for numerous rehabilitation perspectives and provides networking and educational value for a variety of rehabilitation professionals.” —Lisbeth Nilsson, PhD, OT Reg. & Specialist Associated to Lund University, Sweden
“This conference provides unparalleled opportunities for interdisciplinary practice and networking.” —Mary Fisher

 


“The ACRM conference was an excellent learning opportunity for me as a current graduate student. It has inspired me to continue working towards the much needed interdisciplinary, evidence-based, and innovative research. I look forward to attending again in the future!”

—Jackie Einerson, BS, 3rd year MOT student at the University of Utah


“Well-attended meeting with many educational options to choose from.” —Samuel Bierner, MD, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE

“Best place to get latest research in rehabilitation under one roof.” —Padmaja Eluri

 

“Amazing, Curious, Rehab, Movement” —Pamela Quinn, PD, Movement Therapist

 

“This meeting afforded so much interdisciplinary interaction and discussion of clinical and research issues of interest to all of us.” —Stacie Raymer, PhD, CCC-SLP, Old Dominion University

“ACRM, Motivation and training, 100% recommendable!” —Rosa Martin Mourelle, CHU A Coruña, Spain

 

  “One of the best multidisciplinary Rehabilitation conferences I have attended!” —Andrew M. Cole, MBBS, FAFRM, Chief Medical Officer, HammondCare

Beth Helton

“The access to the many experts in the field of Brain Injury was amazing; I learned something from each presentation I attended. I also received validation that the evidence-based treatment protocols I use in therapy are the appropriate way to treat my clients.”

—Beth Helton, MA/CCC-SLP, CBIS, Speech Pathologist, Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana-Neuro Rehab Center


“I’d like to thank you all for putting on a great conference with exceptional attendees.” —Brian Satran, MBA

 

“Thank you for letting me to be the Presenter of Instructional Course.” —Felix Laevsky, Biofeedback Therapist of RIC

 

“A unique interdisciplinary conference providing research and clinical information in an extraordinary collegial setting.” —J. Preston Harley, PhD, FACRM, Neuropsychologist, Advocate Christ Medical Center, Chicago, IL
“As a student, the PIRR conference was a great opportunity to meet fellow students, professors, and learn about the array of research currently out there.” —Jessica Bauza

Shannon Scott

“As an early career educator and researcher, the most valuable part of this conference is the ability to join ISIG’s and collaborate with colleagues from multiple disciplines. I was fortunate enough have the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues from other disciplines, other areas of practice, and other parts of the country to come together to present on a common topic and to learn from each other. Aside from the valuable topics, presentations from leaders in the field, and the networking opportunities, the ability to collaborate in ISIG’s is one of the most valuable experiences about this organization. I am grateful to have the opportunity to be a part of it.”

Shannon L. Scott OTD, OTR/L, SUNY Stony Brook Southampton NY


“The Arts and Neuroscience track is a great way to integrate my background in music, dance, and medicine. It is a unique field and I’m excited to see it grow.” —Carrie McShane, MD, East Carolina University

 

image: Fofi Constantinidou “A great conference with high research and interactive possibilities” —Fofi Constantinidou, PhD, University of Cyprus
“Having the multidisciplinary and multi-stream crossovers offered an excellent conference experience.”  —Deidre Sperry, Speech Language Pathologist

“I had a great time with good content and excellent colleagues” —Erwin van Wegen

 

“Thank you!” —Reza Ehsanian

 


Alex Terrill

“Perhaps THE most interdisciplinary conference I have ever been to – content of presentations was applicable to a wide variety of rehab professionals and researchers, and the atmosphere was extremely welcoming. It was easy to network, especially for a first time attendee.” 

Alexandra Terrill


“A great conference with a large range of valuable information. Thank you ACRM!” —Bethany Woodyatt, Occupational Therapy Student, Rush University

 

“This is a great interdisciplinary conference that embraces the essence of excellent rehabilitation care!” —Joel Scholten
“If you like interdisciplinary learning about rehabilitation research, then ACRM Conference is THE conference for you!” —Susan Lin, ScD, OTR/L, FAOTA, MGH Institute of Health Professions

“The place to be to stay abreast of current topics in rehabilitation.” —Shannon Swick

 

“ACRM is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the cutting-edge research in your clinical interest area of rehabilitation.” —Edita Dragusin PT, DPT

 


Stephanie Kolakowsky-Hayner, PhD, CBIST, FACRM

Stephanie Kolakowsky-Hayner

“ACRM’s PIRR Conference is one of the most informative, engaging, and thought-provoking conferences I have ever attended. Outstanding multidiscipline, multi-disability content from all over the world is shared. ACRM PIRR offers the best opportunities for networking; from First-time and Early Career attendees to Leaders in the field, everyone is welcoming. It’s more like a family than a Congress!”

—Stephanie A. Kolakowsky-Hayner, PhD, CBIST, FACRM


“Love the ongoing innovation when planning the conference; there is always something new, fresh and exciting going on here.” —Cristina Sadowsky MD, Kennedy Krieger Institute/Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Baltimore

“The only truly interdisciplinary conference that researchers and practitioners gain equal value.” —David Krych

“This is an incredible opportunity to link internationally, you hear and meet the trailblazers in their field of rehabilitation and you leave up to date with the latest research.” —Barbara O’Connell, MBA, DipCOT, ABI Ireland

 


Shilpa Krishnan

“ACRM is the only conference that brings together rehabilitation engineers, clinicians, federal funders, researchers, and policymakers under one roof. It is one of the most friendly conferences and provides early career researchers a ton of opportunities to network and at the same time collaborate with experts in the field. I look forward to attending this conference each year.” 

Shilpa Krishnan, PT, PhD, University of Texas Medical Branch


“ACRM was a great conference with impeccable knowledge and opportunities for networking.” —Ian Burkhart
“An excellent venue to present and learn future perspective of Rehabilitation. A rainbow of Rehab team members” —Sami Ullah, FCPS (PM&R), Department of PM&R, Rehabilitation Hospital, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
“ACRM provides doctoral students and young investigators with the opportunity to meet leaders in the field, receive feedback on their work, and gain knowledge in their specific area of interest.” —Heather Peters

 

Your Colleagues Will Tell You…

Chris MacDonell

“ACRM is a wonderful organization because it’s one of the few where you bring together providers and researchers in the world of rehabilitation…where they can exchange ideas, collaborate, problem-solve, and really take a look at what’s important for the person who is receiving services.”
Chris MacDonell, FACRM, CARF International
  “This was the most organized, comprehensive, inclusive, and embracing conference that I have ever attended. I definitely plan on attending more in the future and getting involved in the ISIGs and letting others know that THIS is the conference to attend.” —Shannon L. Scott, OTD, OTR/L, Stony Brook University at Southampton, NY
  “This conference exceeded my expectation. As both a clinician and a researcher, I gained valuable knowledge that will change both aspects of my practice.” —Casey Kandilakis, PT, DPT, NCS, Physical Therapist, Clinical Research Scientist, Shepherd Center
  “ACRM membership allows one to really engage in clinical science and team science building. It’s the way research is going in the future, and ACRM really fosters that from all different disability perspectives.” —Stephanie A. Kolakowsky-Hayner, PhD, CBIST, FACRM, Chief Operating Officer, Brain Trauma Foundation
  “Cutting edge research, education, and horizon scanning by the world leaders in rehabilitation in one conference: simply the best!” —Mohammed Sakel, FRCP, MD, Director/Consultant, East Kent University Hospital, Neuro-Rehabilitation Department, UK
  “ACRM helps you keep up on the latest research in order to provide quality care to your patients.” —Cindy Shepherd, MA, CCC-SLP, CBIS, Speech-Language Pathologist, Lutheran Outpatient Rehabilitation, Lutheran Hospital of Indiana
“ACRM puts pain rehab on the map.” —Anon
“As a post-doctoral ARRT fellow, I received great tips on grant writing during the Early Career pre-conference training.” —N. Erkut Kucukboyaci, PhD, Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation
“This conference brings together experts in a wide variety of disciplines all related to better understanding neuromodulation and its relevance to rehabilitation.” —Joelle Mast, PhD, MD, CMO
“ACRM is one of the best networking opportunities available to professionals in the field of rehabilitation. While it is attended by some of the most renowned researchers in the field, the environment is welcoming and friendly to all attendees and members, new and old. It is clear there is a common goal to move rehabilitation forward.” —Sid Dickson, PhD, ABPP, Neuropsychologist, Baylor Institute for Rehabilitation

 

Stephanie Kolakowsky-Hayner, PhD, CBIST
Santa Clara Valley Medical Center
“How does ACRM help Early Career Rehab Professionals?”

image: Chris MacDonell

“You can’t beat the value of the ACRM conference. The inter-disciplinary program is relevant to your whole team, and the content is cutting-edge. Whether your specialty is stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury or neuro-degenerative diseases, ACRM is presenting the evidence you need.”
Chris MacDonell, FACRM, CARF International
“I enjoyed the combination of clinically and scientifically oriented contributions and the interdisciplinary nature of the conference.” —GM Ribbers, MD, PhD, Rotterdam Neurorehabilitation Research
Kenneth C. Chelette Poster Award Winner “I chose to present a poster at the 2012 ACRM Annual Conference because competing for and receiving this kind of recognition can be an important part of successful career development. Winning the Outstanding Scientific Poster Award was a great honor; and I encourage participation in this event by other students and early career scientists who, like me, strive for excellence in rehabilitation research. —2012 Outstanding Scientific Poster Winner, Kenneth C. Chelette, MS, Biomedical Engineer, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
“Great conference, lots of take-away information to help improve practice in BI.” —Calvin Haws, Service Manager (BScOT)
 Allen Heinemann  “ACRM’s annual meeting provides an unprecedented opportunity to remain current on rehabilitation research advances and to meet authors, reviewers and editors of Archives.”—Allen W. Heinemann, PhD, ABPP, FACRM, Co-Editor-in-Chief, Archives of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
“ACRM’s commitment to early career rehabilitation scientists and practitioners is unparalleled, not only in rehabilitation but across most professional organizations.” —Anon
“I have had an amazing experience as a participant in this conference.
Thanks for everything!” —Diana Krasteva, Physiotherapist, Lion’s Gate Hospital, North Vancouver, BC
“Inspiring conference also for people from abroad! Excellent program, welcoming and inclusive culture, great interdisciplinary combination of clinical and research work.” —Frank Becker, MD, PhD, Clinical Medical Director, Sunnaas Rehabilitation Hospital, Norway
“ACRM Annual Conference is a unique opportunity to exchange research and education on key rehabilitation topics with world-wide interdisciplinary providers.” —Rebecca T. Armendariz, MD, Palliative Medicine Physician, Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center
“For individuals involved in rehabilitation research, I think this is the best possible meeting to attend in terms of educational content and networking with others involved in rehabilitation research.” —Cindy Harrison-Felix, PhD, FACRM, Director of Research, Craig Hospital

 

Fofi Constantinidou, PhD, CCC-SLP, FACRM
Center for Applied Neuroscience, University of Cyprus
“How does ACRM help internationally?”

 

Sue Ann Sisto “With a collegial harmonious atmosphere, rare in mega-medical conferences, ACRM functions as powerful “glue” that joins together professionals from all specialty areas and disciplines for intellectual exchange and improved rehabilitative outcomes.” —Sue Ann Sisto, PT, MA, PhD, FACRM, Stony Brook University School of Health Technology and Management, Stony Brook, NY
garyulicny2 “The ACRM Annual Conference has grown to become the world’s largest interdisciplinary conference in the field of rehabilitation research, and as a result, the peer-to-peer networking is second to none.” —Gary Ulicny, PhD, FACRM, Shepherd Center, Atlanta, GA
  “As a clinician in the field for less than three years, this event opened my eyes to the research being done to advance the field and gave me a deeper understanding of where we come from in terms of becoming evidence-based in rehab. I appreciated the early career focus as well as the continued focus on interdisciplinary work”. —Christina Lighthill, MOT, OTR
Stephanie Kolakowsky-Hayner, PhD, CBIST, FACRM “ACRM Conference is well attended by leaders from all over the field in every discipline.” —Stephanie A. Kolakowsky-Hayner, PhD, CBIST, FACRM, Chief Operating Officer, Brain Trauma Foundation
Duncan Babbage “Attending ACRM’s annual meeting provides the opportunity to forge and extend key relationships, which can then be maintained and developed through the rest of the year in our increasingly connected and online international rehabilitation community.” —Duncan Babbage, PhD, Auckland University of Technology, Centre for Person Centred Research, Auckland, NZ
“ACRM is one of the rare places I was able to find sessions on Pediatric Rehabilitation. The presenters in the field were well prepared and very open to sharing information for the best of patient outcomes. Thanks ACRM and Presenters!” —Scott A. Brown, CTRS, CBIS, Director of Business Development/Community Educator, Trustpoint Hospital Lubbock
“The ACRM Annual Conference offers something for everybody in the rehabilitation field: latest in clinical approaches, state of the art research, wonderful inter-disciplinary environment, and best networking opportunities.” —Cristina Sadowsky, MD, Director, Paralysis Restoration Clinic, Kennedy Krieger Institute
Tessa Hart “ACRM is the only place where I can get cutting-edge research and see all my friends—not only from around the country but around the world. ACRM is the best place to get new information and to network, network, NETWORK!” —Tessa Hart, PhD, FACRM, Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute

 

Julia Totosy de Zepetnek, PhD
University of Regina
“Why do you attend the ACRM Annual Conference?”

 

 “ACRM’s commitment to early career rehabilitation scientists and practitioners is unparalleled, not only in rehabilitation but across most professional organizations.” —2012 ACRM Annual Conference Attendee
Gregory O'Shanick “ACRM consistently provides translational research information that is timely and clinically relevant to the everyday practice of Brain Injury Medicine. Providing this in a format that fosters interdisciplinary dialogue adds icing to this cake!” — Gregory O’Shanick, MD, Medical Director Emeritus, Brain Injury Association of America
 “Attending the ACRM meeting has been a great experience on many levels.”
— Mar Cortes, MD, Clinical Research, Burke Medical Research Institute, White Plains, NY
Tom Felicetti “I have attended this conference for many years. It is a significant opportunity for professional collaboration and for adding to the knowledge base of the field.” —Thomas Felicetti, PhD, Beechwood Rehabilitation Services
  “The conference provided a rich environment for interprofessional education that is needed for collaborative clinical practice and research! A must attend conference for all team members.” —Genevieve Pinto Zipp, PT, EdD
“Participating in the “Early Career” workshop at the ACRM annual conference connected me with unique mentoring opportunities in various disciplines of rehabilitation, which have continued to promote my development as a clinician and scientist.” —Saurabha Bhatnagar, MD, Harvard Medical School/VA Boston, Innovation Officer & Medical Director of TBI/Polytrauma
Arshia Ahmad “The strength of ACRM is in its diversity and multidisciplinary approach, as well as a wide range of areas of interests it caters to. This opens up several avenues for possible developments and combined projects. Facilitation international collaboration has been a hot topic this year, which promises growth in future.” —Arshia Q. Ahmad, MD, MRCP (UK), MSc, Assistant Professor, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
“For every clinician who wants to be in the forefront of research and practice this is the place to be! The topics are unparalleled and if we want to be knowledgeable, and get involved, this is the conference to attend.” —Anon
Gary Ulicny “As a research based organization, it makes sense that we are the leaders providing the evidence that helps shape public policy to better improve the service we provide to the people that we serve.” —Gary Ulicny, PhD, FACRM, ACRM Past President, Shepherd Center
Marilyn Spivack “A meeting not to be missed by those involved with all aspects of clinical rehabilitation advances and the impact of research on today’s and tomorrow’s outcomes.” —Marilyn Price Spivack, MA, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
“ACRM is the only venue where professionals from across the spectrum of professions in rehabilitation can truly come together for educational and proactive efforts to put forward the specialty of rehabilitation as a whole.” —Edward L. Manning, PhD, ABPP-CL

 

James Malec, PhD, FACRM
Indiana University School of Medicine/Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana
“What does ACRM mean to YOU?”

 

Deborah Backus “ACRM is a home where I can combine clinical interests with my research and interact with people who are making decisions about rehab research.” —Deborah Backus, PT, PhD, FACRM, Director of Multiple Sclerosis Research, Shepherd Center
  “ACRM is a great conference to come to especially as a young researcher…it’s a fantastic way for researchers and clinicians to come together to share their research and experiences.” —Julia Totosy de Zepetnek, PhD, University of Regina
Monique Pappadis “ACRM is a great organization for early career professionals to advance their career with limitless networking opportunities.” —Monique R. Pappadis, MEd, PhD, Assistant Professor, University of Texas Medical Branch
“The breadth and depth of presentation and the opportunity to interact with rehab professionals from abroad make this conference a unique opportunity.” —Larry Cervelli, OT, FACRM
James Malec “The ACRM conference is the only interdisciplinary rehabilitation conference in the States and gets better every year.” —Jim Malec, PhD, FACRM, Professor & Research Director, Indiana University School of Medicine/Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana
“The ACRM conference is the premier rehabilitation conference in the world with an outstanding mix of research and best practices, but also the opportunity to network with national and international leaders and contribute to the field of rehabilitation through the difference task forces.” —Lance E. Trexler, PhD, FACRM, Director of Rehabilitation Neuropsychology, Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana
“The program is excellent! As an early career professional, I really appreciate the information on all the research and the manner in which it’s presented. I feel like this training gives me a game plan and a strategy to state developing my treatment plans. I know where to start with each of my patients and I feel more confident and assured that the treatment I’m providing is evidence-based.” —Anon
 Joseph Giacino “I would make the case that the ACRM Brain Injury Interdisciplinary Special Interest group is probably one of the most productive in the world in terms of scientific publishing, practice, and driving policy.” —Joseph T. Giacino, PhD, ACRM Past President, Director of Rehab Neuropsychology, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
“The ACRM annual conference is an excellent source of cutting edge knowledge/education on clinical and scientific breakthroughs in rehabilitation and a great venue to network/collaborate with colleagues!” —Christopher Gillis, OTR

 



ACRM Annual ConferenceProgress in Rehabilitation Research (PIRR#2017)
CORE: 25 – 28 OCT 2018 // HILTON ATLANTA, USA // PRE-CONFERENCE 23 – 25 OCT


REGISTER ONLINE HERE or Register by Phone: +1.703.435.5335
ACRM Conference Home Page PROGRAM button REGISTER button
*For the latest programming info, schedule, session and faculty details, and room locations, please see the Searchable Online Program & Scheduler and/or the ACRM App.  Although significant changes are not anticipated, the schedules, sessions, and presenters posted on this website are subject to change.