Why we need a representative organization of academic PRM in Europe, and why we need it now

The growing relevance of rehabilitation in healthcare to address increasing patient needs necessitates robust Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (PRM) integration into medical education and practice. Academic PRM, rooted in medical faculties, is vital for developing the medical speciality as an academic discipline across Europe, where it faces challenges, including limited representation in medical schools and competition for resources with established disciplines. This commentary advocates establishing a representative organization for academic PRM in Europe. Currently, no organization adequately represents academic PRM at the European level. The lack of academic chairs and departments in some countries undermines PRM's credibility and visibility, making it less attractive to students and prospective academics. An organized effort could provide a platform for knowledge exchange, policy formulation, and advocacy, ultimately strengthening the discipline's presence in medical faculties. Immediate action is crucial, particularly in light of the WHO's call for action 2030 and its 2023 resolution emphasizing the need for rehabilitation within health systems. A representative European academic PRM organization could advocate for education on rehabilitation across all medical specialities and enhance the understanding of functioning as a health indicator. It would also support the development of national academic organizations across Europe and facilitate collaboration with other stakeholders, including patient organizations, rehabilitation professionals, and funding agencies. Critical considerations for creating this organization include defining core activities, establishing governance principles focused on representativity and inclusion, and fostering relationships with existing national, European, and international organizations of PRM and academic medicine. By leveraging successful models like the Association of Academic Physiatrists in the United States, Europe can develop a robust and credible voice for academic PRM. This initiative is timely and necessary to capitalize on the current momentum and ensure the future of academic PRM in Europe.