Physician Features
Faces of Physiatry: Daniel Clinchot, MD
Amidst a backdrop of dedicated service and commitment, the ABPMR is proud to announce that Board Director Dr. Daniel M. Clinchot has been awarded the 2024 Alpha Omega Alpha Robert J. Glaser Distinguished Teacher Award from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) in recognition of his outstanding achievements as an educator.
Dr. Clinchot has dedicated more than 35 years of service to The Ohio State University College of Medicine, serving as vice dean for education and chair of biomedical education and anatomy. He has contributed significantly to resident and student training and has developed strategies for assessing learner outcomes. As a founding faculty member of the undergraduate biomedical science program, he created the "Lead.Serve.Inspire." curriculum and a senior capstone course. Dr. Clinchot has been honored multiple times as Teacher of the Year in his field and has received various awards for excellence in teaching and contributions to medical humanities. He was inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society and earned OSU's Master Teacher distinction in 2020. His Community Health Education course contributed to OSU winning the AAMC Spencer Foreman Award for Outstanding Community Engagement in 2022.
Dr. Clinchot earned a Bachelor of Science degree summa cum laude in 1984 from St. John’s University in Queens, New York, and a medical degree in 1988 from the Health Science Center at Syracuse, State University of New York. In 1992, he completed residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation at OSU College of Medicine, where he was named chief resident in his final year. Dr. Clinchot has been a longtime volunteer with ABPMR, currently serving as a board director, secretary of the board, Item Writer, and Part II Examiner.
Why did you choose PM&R as a specialty?
I did a PM&R rotation when I was in medical school, but it wasn’t until I was on the spinal cord injury service that I decided this was the path I wanted to take. I thought it could be a great career and that I could help a lot of people.
How did you get started volunteering with ABPMR?
As soon as I was eligible, I was invited to be a Part II Oral Examiner, and I loved it. I continued to say yes to opportunities and network with other volunteers; I became more and more involved. I really enjoyed it when the Part II exam was in person, and we were able to network and feel a sense of community and engagement with the board. The virtual format has benefits too, especially with the chance to have two examiners.
What does board certification mean to you?
Board certification provides the highest level of standardization of ability so we can assure the diplomates who are certified have up-to-date knowledge in PM&R and practice in a way that ensures they are providing patients with the best care in physical medicine and rehabilitation.
Do you have any advice for early-career physicians?
When I served as the Residency Program Director, I consistently emphasized to the seniors the significance of not just their initial certification but also the ongoing maintenance of that certification. Additionally, I highlighted the importance of giving back to the field. As physicians, we hold a privileged position, and with that privilege comes a significant responsibility to advance our profession.
Contributing to the field doesn't necessarily mean being involved in every national organization; it can also occur at the local level. The key is to ensure we are collectively progressing our field forward. I believe it's essential to instill this sense of responsibility in them, as our field often serves vulnerable patients who may lack a voice. We must advocate for these individuals, as it is a calling that we should embrace.
You were recently awarded the 2024 Alpha Omega Alpha Robert J. Glaser Distinguished Teacher Award. As someone who has had lots of success throughout his career, how does this one differ?
This recognition comes from the American Association, specifically the AAMC, which stands for the Association of American Medical Colleges. This academic organization is responsible for the accreditation of medical schools and works in collaboration with the American Medical Association (AMA). Receiving an education award from such a prestigious organization is a significant honor. While awards can be given at various levels—from departments, colleges, or universities-being recognized by the body that accredits medical schools and leads in academic medicine is a top achievement.
I was truly overwhelmed and humbled, first by the fact that someone nominated me, and second by the experience of actually receiving the award. The recipients of this honor are exceptional educators, and throughout my career, teaching has been a central focus alongside my clinical work. I have always viewed teaching as a passion and a calling, just as I do with my clinical responsibilities.
Being acknowledged for my contributions is incredibly significant to me. My role as a board director serves as a testament to my clinical work in the field of PM&R. I believe that this national award carries immense weight, as it was bestowed upon me by a panel that selected me as one of only four recipients. The foundation of this recognition is rooted in education, which, along with my clinical work, represents the two most vital aspects of my career.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I think physiatrists have, through their training, and their approach to the field, have such a broad skill set that you really can do anything you want in the field of medicine. It just speaks to the foundation that we're given through our training and the sort of innate teamwork that comes with the field. You can't be a good physiatrist unless you know how to be a great team member and team leader, and I think that skill set is translatable to a whole host of different things. Those core skill sets that I was taught in residency have enabled me to progress in my career, and I don't think we can undersell that. I think the field produces amazing leaders, many of whom you have featured here.
