Can I Still Join? The Role of the Physiatrist in the Medical Suitability Determination Process for Adolescents Seeking to Serve in the United States Military 2548

Wednesday, October 29, 2025

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Location: ROOM: Private Dining Room #4 >>> DIRECTIONS Third Floor >>> From the Main Elevator Bank, take the elevator to the 3rd Floor. Turn left and walk past Astoria and turn left into the corridor. PDR #4 is at the end of the hallway.

Presenter(s)

William W. Ide, MD, FAAPMR

Assistant Professor
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, VA, United States

Slides Slides
Justin Weppner, DO

Section Chief, PM&R
Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine
Roanoke, VA, United States
Sean A. Lacey, DO

Department Head Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
US Navy
Arnold, Maryland, United States

Join active duty and veteran U.S. Navy physicians Dr. William Ide, Dr. Justin Weppner, and Dr. Sean Lacey as they explore the essential role of physiatrists in determining medical suitability for adolescents interested in joining the U.S. military. This presentation will cover the comprehensive evaluation process and the implications of conditions commonly managed by PM&R clinicians—such as ADHD, traumatic brain injury, and musculoskeletal injuries—on military eligibility. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the operational demands of military service and how various health conditions can impact an individual's ability to serve. This session is ideal for healthcare professionals who may be asked to provide evaluations for patients seeking to join the U.S. military, as well as those interested in the intersection of adolescent health and military service.

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion, participants will be able to describe the physical and cognitive demands of military service roles and explain how these demands influence medical suitability criteria for adolescent applicants.
Upon completion, participants will be able to analyze the impact of childhood onset conditions, such as Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and musculoskeletal conditions on military readiness and service eligibility through the examination of case studies and current research.
Upon completion, participants will be able to demonstrate the process of conducting comprehensive medical evaluations for military service applicants, including documenting findings and effectively communicating with patients and families, in alignment with the Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board (DoDMERB) standards.
Summarize how musculoskeletal injuries and other childhood disorders influence both individual accession, retention, and broader U.S. military readiness, incorporating insights from recent research and the role of the PM&R consultant in the evaluation process.