Chair’s Message: Fall 2026
As we welcome the arrival of fall, I am reminded that education remains at the heart of everything we do. From the first day a trainee joins our institution to the moment they graduate and embark on the next chapter of their careers, learning serves as the foundation upon which we build excellence in patient care, research, and service.
This edition of our newsletter highlights several educational milestones that define our Department. We celebrate the success of our 27th Annual Scientific Day, Frontiers in Autonomic Disorders: Innovations in Diagnosis, Treatment, and Rehabilitation, which showcased the expanding role of physiatrists in the care of patients with autonomic disorders, including POTS. The event also featured outstanding clinical and research presentations that reflected the curiosity, innovation, and scholarly achievements of our trainees and faculty.
We are equally proud to recognize our recent graduates, whose dedication and accomplishments have prepared them for rewarding careers in pain medicine, pediatric rehabilitation medicine, musculoskeletal and sports medicine, and general PM&R. Their achievements reflect the excellence of our training programs, and we eagerly anticipate their continued contributions to advancing the field of PM&R.
We are also delighted to welcome our newest trainees. This year marks an important milestone with the arrival of all 13 incoming residents, whose enthusiasm, talent, and commitment to medicine bring fresh perspectives that enrich our educational community. As mentors, colleagues, and lifelong learners, we have both the privilege and responsibility of helping shape the next generation of physicians and scientists.
Our annual Education Retreat further reinforces this commitment by providing a collaborative forum for faculty and trainees to reflect on our programs, share ideas, and identify opportunities to strengthen the educational experience. Through open dialogue and continuous improvement, we ensure that our training programs remain innovative, responsive, and learner-centered.
Thank you to everyone who contributes to our culture of learning, discovery, and excellence. Together, we continue to advance our mission and ensure a bright future for our Department, our patients, and the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation.
Sincerely,
Heakyung Kim, M.D.
"Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire." – William Butler Yeats