AAP Annual Meeting 2026 Recap
A number of faculty and residents from our Department attended the Association of Academic Physiatrists (AAP) Annual Meeting in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where they represented UT Southwestern through presentations, poster sessions, and engagement with colleagues across the country and the world.
Resident scholarship was well represented through multiple poster presentations. Residents who presented posters included:
- Casey Salandra, M.D.
- Lauren O’Keefe, M.D.
- Grace Meehan, D.O.
- John Hunton, M.D.
- Emma Kim, M.D.
The presentations showcased a wide range of case reports, quality improvement (QI) projects, and original research, and they provided opportunities for residents to discuss their work with peers and leaders in the field.
The conference also included symposium presentations by multiple people from the Department.
Dr. Meehan and Shelby Tesdall, M.D., who presented alongside several members of the AAP Medical Student Education Council, focused on advice for medical students on away rotations. They provided guidance on professionalism, preparation, and how to stand out.
Other notable presentations included:
- Benjamin Nguyen, M.D. – neuromodulation in people with acquired brain injury
- Chaitanya Konda, D.O. – cultural and language considerations when focusing on patient-centered rehabilitation
- Kim Barker, M.D. – the rapidly evolving use of AI for clinical, administrative, and educational purposes in PM&R
- Heakyung Kim, M.D. – AAP’s international rehabilitation outreach
Attendees also engaged in networking events and fostered professional connections with colleagues from departments and institutions nationwide. Donald Kasitinon, M.D., participated in his second year of the Program for Academic Leadership (PAL) and was asked to present his QI project during the PAL reception. Terri Isbell and Valeria Rodela participated in the Program Coordinators’ track, where Terri also presented to her colleagues.
The UT Southwestern booth at the career fair was a big hit for those looking for a job, fellowship, or residency.
Outside conference hours, attendees had the opportunity to enjoy San Juan’s vibrant culture and natural beauty. Group activities included rainforest tours, beach excursions, and exploration of the historic streets of Old San Juan.