A Look at the Significance of the AAPM–AMA Relationship

Abstract

Although most members are aware of the close working relationship between the American Academy of Pain Medicine (AAPM) and the American Medical Association (AMA), many may not fully appreciate just how important that relationship is to the practice of pain medicine. This message is therefore devoted to explaining why we should all do everything in our power to ensure that it continues. The AAPM is the only pain specialty organization devoted solely to representing the interests of pain medicine that has a seat in the AMA's policy-setting House of Delegates (HOD). That seat enables us to play an outsized role in raising awareness of pain medicine within the AMA as well as to the public at large. This access, for example, allows the AAPM to develop relationships with many organizations within the AMA including the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). As all members know, the AAPM, together with the American Board of Pain Medicine, is currently pursuing accreditation for pain medicine residency training programs with the ACGME, and specialty recognition for pain medicine with the ABMS. The stronger our relationships are with …