Ami Mac, M.D., a third-year resident in the Wayne State University-Detroit Medical Center Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Program, was elected by the Resident Council of the Association of Academic Physiatrists to the position of advancement representative.
A 2007 graduate of the WSU School of Medicine, Dr. Mac will serve in the position for one year.
"It is a great honor to be elected by a very distinguished group of my peers for this position," Dr. Mac said. "I have taken it upon myself to serve as a representative of RIM/DMC, WSU and overall, the Midwest. Surprisingly, I am the only resident representative from the entire Midwest. I am a proud to have grown up locally and graduated from Wayne State University with both my undergraduate and graduate degrees. I would like to encourage participation from medical students, residents and fellows from this region and hope more will choose to run for positions in the future."
Her duties as advancement representative include working to increase resident/fellow membership and retention, serving as a member of the AAP's Advancement Committee, assisting with fundraising and publicity efforts, serving as a liaison to the Leadership Development and Recognition Committee and promoting AAP awards and programs for the development of young physiatrists.
First and foremost, Dr. Mac said, she will be educating the public, and other physicians, about the field of Physiatry.
Physiatry, or Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, focuses on restoring function and getting patients back to participating in activities that they were once able to perform, she said. Working closely with orthopaedic surgeons, rheumatologists, neurosurgeons, urologists, internists and other care providers in a team approach, they treat a variety of conditions that produce pain, numbness, weakness and disability.
"I was interested in applying for this position after having an informal conversation with my residency program director, Dr. Lawrence Horn. I had expressed interest in teaching medical students and performing research, however wanted to get involved on a national level. Dr. Horn encouraged me to run for a position at this year's meeting," Dr. Mac said. "I am very fortunate to have a program director who is not only so accomplished, but willing to impart his knowledge and wisdom to his residents. Dr. Horn goes out of his way to care for and mentor his residents. I intend to pay it forward to my junior residents and medical students."
Dr. Mac was elected at the AAP's annual meeting in Las Vegas, Nev., by those who attended the conference.
"I am sure she will do an outstanding job, bringing positive recognition to our residency program, Wayne State and the Detroit Medical Center, said Dr. Horn, M.D., professor and interim Chair of the WSU Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department at the Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan.