Chicago, IL (September 16, 2020) – Integrated Rehab Consultants (“IRC”), is pleased to announce Chief Medical Officer, Steve M. Gnatz, MD, MHA, FAAPMR, has been named the Frank H. Krusen, MD, Lifetime Achievement Award winner, the highest award from the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, (AAPM&R).
“I am highly honored and humbled to be recognized by my fellow members of the AAPM&R though the Frank H. Krusen lifetime achievement award. This award represents achievement which would not have been possible without many others – to whom I am eternally grateful. If I have been able to add anything to the field and encourage others to be as passionate about PM&R as I am, I will be happy,” says Steve M. Gnatz, MD, MHA, FAAPMR.
The Frank H. Krusen, MD, Lifetime Achievement Award was established by the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in 1972 to honor a founding father of the Academy who was a leader in the development of the specialty of PM&R. Dr. Krusen, the Academy’s fourth president, was the first recipient of the award that now bears his name. The Krusen Award is the Academy’s highest honor, and recipients of the gold medallion are selected on the basis of their outstanding and unique contributions to the field of PM&R in the areas of patient care, research, education, and administration.
“We are so excited that Dr. Gnatz was chosen for this award, he has made a huge impact on the physiatry profession, and we couldn’t be more proud to have him on our team,” explains Dr. Amish Patel, IRC CEO and Co-Founder.
Dr. Gnatz received his medical degree from the University of Illinois. He completed his internship and residency in PM&R at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, where he served as Co-Chief Resident.
Since finishing his residency program in 1987, Dr. Gnatz has been working to increase the overall awareness of Physiatry, as well as help advance the field of PM&R. This includes authoring over 47 published abstracts and peer-reviewed articles, including the well-regarded book, EMG Basics.
Dr. Gnatz is an avid lecturer. His 20-page CV lists over 100 presentations he’s given to audiences of all types on a wide variety of topics.
Dr. Gnatz holds a master’s degree in health administration (M.H.A.) from the University of Missouri. His board certifications include the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and the American Board of Electrodiagnostic Medicine.
After completing his residency, he became a Fellow with the Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R) in 1988 and has remained so over the past 32 years. Throughout this time, he also held additional positions including Past-President from 2007 – current, President from 2005-2006, President-Elect from 2004-2005, Vice-President from 2003-2004, Treasurer from 2000-2003, Member-at-large from 1999-2000, Awards Committee from 2003-2004 and again from 2009-2010, Finance Committee from 2000-2003, and again from 2009 – 2012, Investment Committee from 2009-2012, Program Planning Sub-committee from 1995-2000. For several years, Dr. Gnatz led the Preparing Yourself for Physiatric Practice pre-course for the Academy. Dr. Gnatz continues to serve the Academy by presenting on the topic of practicing in the sub-acute rehabilitation environment at the yearly Academy meeting.
Within the AAPM&R organization and the Foundation for PM&R, Dr. Gnatz has contributed eight years on the Board of Directors of AAPM&R, and nine years total on the Foundation Board with an additional two years on the Friends of the Foundation. Dr. Gnatz was a founding member and the first treasurer of the Foundation for PM&R.
Throughout his career, Dr. Gnatz has received many awards, including the James Scholar, College of Honors and Departmental Distinction for Biology from the University of Illinois, Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award from the Department of PM&R at Baylor College of Medicine, the Blue Ribbon for Outstanding Poster Presentation at the 1990 AAPM&R/ACRM Annual Scientific Meeting, the Robert Boyle Teacher of the Year Award from the Department of PM&R at the Medical College of Wisconsin, and the Outstanding Alumni Award from the Department of PM&R at Baylor College of Medicine.
About Integrated Rehab Consultants
Integrated Rehab Consultants is a physiatry group based in Chicago, IL. Founded in 2010, IRC was one of the first groups to partner with skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and is now the largest group of physiatrists within post-acute settings nationwide. IRC’s physiatrists work with SNFs and IRFs to optimize therapy treatment plans, focusing on managing pain, functional rehabilitation, and recovery for patients with physical and cognitive impairments or disabilities. IRC’s services can help patients discharge quickly and more safely. For additional information, visit www.irehabconsultants.com.