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"Embodying the bayanihan spirit to nurture the FilipinX/ FilipinX-American community through the field of physiatry." 

Nurturing the Filipinx/ FilipinX-American community through our eight pillars: Education, Mentorship, Global Health, Research, Collaboration, Community Outreach, Creativity, and Family.

We are PAPA.

WELCOME

Hello and kamusta to you all! Welcome to the official website of the Philippine American Physiatrist Association (PAPA)! We are thrilled to have you here. Here at PAPA, we are more than just a professional organization. We are a 501c3 organization made up of a community of physiatrists, united by the common goal of embodying the bayanihan spirit to nurture the FilipinX/ FilipinX-American community through the field of physiatry. Explore our site, read more about who we are and our initiatives! 

CURRENT
EVENTS

CYFAM 2026
PAPA is excited to be an official exhibitor at the 6th Annual Council of Young Filipinx Americans in Medicine (CYFAM) Conference: Bawat Bituin, Bawat Kuwento (Every Star, Every Story) — a dynamic two-day event bringing together students, trainees, healthcare professionals, researchers, and community advocates passionate about advancing health equity, leadership, and community impact within the Filipinx community.

Taking place March 14–15, 2026 in Houston, Texas at the Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine at the University of Houston, this conference features insightful keynote speakers, workshops, mentorship opportunities, research symposiums, and meaningful networking experiences.

RESEARCH
COLLABS

Winter 2026 Research Projects

  • Understanding Fil-Am Barriers to Rehabilitation Services

    • Examines Filipino Americans’ knowledge, attitudes, and cultural and structural barriers affecting awareness, access, and utilization of Rehabilitation Medicine.

  • The Roadie Clinic / Performing Arts Medicine

    • Scoping review investigating whether long-term exposure to loud sound frequencies among roadies may contribute to mild TBI or concussion-like symptoms.

  • Filipino American Stroke Rehabilitation Access
    • Plan–Do–Study–Act project assessing stroke rehabilitation utilization and developing community education on stroke rehabilitation pathways and resources.
  • Marvel vs. DC: Representation of Disability in Comics
    • Literature review examining trends in the portrayal of physical disability in films, particularly across Marvel movies (Phases I–V).
  • Examining Adaptive Dance as a Rehabilitation Tool
    • Scoping review synthesizing literature on adaptive and inclusive dance interventions for individuals with disabilities and identifying gaps in evidence.
  • Rehabilitation Gaps and Functional Sequelae in Filipino Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review
    • Review of cancer epidemiology, disparities, and rehabilitation access among Filipino patients in the Philippines and diaspora communities.
  • Measuring Hotel Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities
    • Evaluation of hotel accessibility using the Hotel Accessibility Scoring Scale (HASS) to assess real-world ADA compliance and usability.
  • Adaptive Bollywood Dance: A Culturally Inclusive Community Rehabilitation Initiative
    • Community-based rehabilitation project piloting adaptive Bollywood dance to evaluate participation, engagement, and functional outcomes.
  • Barriers Influencing Access to Healthcare Services Among Performing Artists Across Social Determinants of Health (Dimensions of Race/Ethnicity, Socioeconomic Status, Disability, Education Level, Health Literacy, Gender Identity, Professional Status, Geographic Location, and Insurance Status): A Rapid Review
    • Rapid review examining healthcare access barriers among performing artists across multiple social determinants of health.
  • Approach to Caregiving within the Filipino American Community: A Literature Review
    • Explores cultural values and systemic factors shaping caregiving practices and access to professional caregiving services among Filipino Americans.
  • Assessing Injury Patterns and Rehabilitation Needs of Broadway Performers
    • Study identifying common injuries and rehabilitation needs of Broadway performers to inform prevention and recovery strategies.

COMMUNITYOUTREACH

CYFAM 6th Annual Conference
PAPA is an official exhibitor at CYFAM's 6th Annual Conference this March 13-15 2026 at the Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine at the University of Houston, Houston, Texas.

New York Road Runers
PAPA team has met with the NYRR team and successfully registered as an official volunteer group. Follow us to get updates!

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