Lessons Learned Through Leadership

LOOKING BACK: A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE Having been elected president of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in 1975, I had the unique advantage of serving at approximately the midpoint of our 75-year history. When I completed my residency, physiatry was just 20 years old. Upon assuming office, I had practiced for 17 years. During my term in office (1975-1976), our nation was busy celebrating its bicentennial and the independent living movement was gaining steam. The 38 years that followed were to be among the most productive and life changing of my career. As we celebrate our 75th anniversary, I am proud to recall the challenges we faced and how our specialty and its leaders grew.