Annual Awards

Introduction

Founded in 1954, American Paraplegia Society (APS) is dedicated to improving the quality of medical care delivered to persons with spinal cord impairment (SCI). Spinal cord medicine is recognized as a discipline that encompasses many components of specialized care. In view of this diversity, one of the major functions of APS is to foster the interchange of ideas in both clinical and basic science.

Mission

APS is organized and functions exclusively for scientific and educational purposes. Its goals are to advance the care of patients with SCI, promote research related to SCI, and provide a forum for the review of scientific findings.

Continuing medical education (CME) is fundamental to professional growth, excellence in clinical practice, and optimal patient outcome. Physicians and researchers participate in CME to reinforce and improve CME and expand their analytical, diagnostic, and therapeutic skills. CME opportunities are integral activities of APS.

In fulfilling this fundamental mandate, APS convenes an annual scientific conference to report state-of-the-art techniques, disseminate information about scientific and technological breakthroughs, and discuss advances in research and the latest standards for achieving optimal health care, including the rehabilitation and lifetime care of the individual with SCI. A direct result of this exchange of scientific data is that translational research is advanced and encouraged. Examining data arising from scientific investigations and assessing their impact on clinical care are essential to establishing standards of care and adopting new diagnostic techniques and treatment protocols to provide cost-effective quality care.

Annual Awards Program

APS presents awards to persons who have made significant contributions in the area of spinal cord medicine, clinical practice, rehabilitation education, or research. The awards are the A. Estin Comarr Memorial Award for Clinical Service and the Excellence Award.

Selection Process

The APS Membership Committee is charged with soliciting annual award nominations. The Committee reviews and rates all nominations and submits its recommendations to the Board of Directors for confirmation. Nominees are notified in writing of all decisions. All awards are presented during the Annual Conference. Travel and lodging will be covered by APS. If an awardee is unable to attend the Annual Conference, the presentation will be made in absentia.

Awards

Estin Comarr Memorial Award for Distinguished Clinical Service

Avrom Estin Comarr, MD (1915-1996) was a founding member of the American Paraplegia Society and served as its first president in 1954. He espoused the belief that doctors treating patients with SCI needed to be cognizant of the injury's multi-system impact. Dr. Comarr spent a significant portion of his professional career conducting research and designing many devices that helped patients with SCI return home and live in their community. To this day, many of the practical applications of Dr. Comarr's research are found in every area of SCI medicine.

This award is given to an APS member who has demonstrated exceptional accomplishment in the area of clinical care of persons with SCI. Nominators should write a narrative statement that addresses the following criteria, providing details and specific information.

Criteria

  • Active or associate APS member.
  • At least 5 years of experience in SCI medicine.
  • Nominee has demonstrated exceptional commitment to the field of clinical care of persons with SCI.
  • Accomplishments, contributions, or achievements of the nominee have had a significant impact on the field of spinal cord medicine. These may be of clinical, scientific, or educational importance.
  • Commitment and contributions of the nominee have had a positive impact on the quality of life of persons with SCI.

Excellence Award

This award is given to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in SCI health care, including service delivery, research, education, prevention, or administration. It is expected that a recipient of this award will have achieved national recognition and leadership, as well as demonstrated scholarship in the care of persons with SCI. Nominators should write a narrative statement that addresses the following criteria, providing details and specific information.

Criteria

  • The nominee has demonstrated leadership and expertise and is a recognized authority in the area of spinal cord medicine or research.
  • The nominee has demonstrated exceptional clinical, scientific, educational or administrative achievements in the care of persons with SCI.
  • The accomplishments of the nominee have had a positive nationwide impact on individuals with SCI and their quality of life.
  • The achievements of the nominee are recognized by peers, professionals, or the community.

Nomination Materials

Nomination Procedure

  • Award nominations must be made by an APS member in good standing.
  • Nominee must meet the eligibility criteria to be considered for the award.
  • One original and six copies of the nomination materials must be submitted.
  • Nomination materials must be typed, with the name of the nominee appearing on the top of each page.

Nomination packages that fail to comply with the above requirements will not be considered.

Deadline

Nomination forms with supporting material must be postmarked by January 13, 2009. Late nominations will not be considered.

All information received for consideration by the Membership Committee will be deemed confidential.

Send completed information to:

Annual Awards
American Paraplegia Society
801 18th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20006

Printable Nomination Form
 

Administrative and financial support provided by the Paralyzed Veterans of America