Welcome to the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Pittsburgh, one of the most prestigious PM&R programs in the nation. It is my great pleasure to share with you some key aspects of our department that make us unique and extraordinary.
Our team of physiatrists, neuropsychologists, therapists, and advanced practice providers are at the forefront of treating a wide range of complex neurological conditions, musculoskeletal and spine issues, chronic medical illnesses, neuropsychological disorders, and other conditions that result in impairments and/or contribute to disability. We pride ourselves on providing comprehensive, inter-disciplinary care across the lifespan, from pediatrics to older adults, and are committed to improving the quality of life for every patient we serve.
Our faculty includes world-renowned, cutting-edge researchers who are advancing the fields of musculoskeletal medicine, aging, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, pediatric rehabilitation, data science, neuropsychology, assistive technology, and neural engineering among others. We are incredibly proud of our ranking as 2nd in NIH funding for rehabilitation research, as well as the distinction of having a faculty member among the top 5 NIH-funded Principal Investigators in rehabilitation research (Dr. Jennifer Colilnger). I’m also proud of our leadership and partnerships with large inter-disciplinary research programs, such as the Human Engineering Research Lab, Rehab Neural Engineering Lab, Safar Center, and Bethel Musculoskeletal Research Center.
Education is at the heart of our mission. We are leaders in educating trainees at all levels, offering a variety of clinical electives for medical students, as well as nationally competitive research opportunities through the Association of Academic Physiastrists. Our PM&R residency program is consistently ranked among the best in the nation (ranked 4th by Doximity), and our fellowship programs in spinal cord injury, brain injury, sports, spine, pediatrics and neuropsychology attract the best candidates, many of whom have stayed on as faculty in our program. As Chair, I am honored to build upon this remarkable foundation and continue setting a new standard of excellence in PM&R.
I invite you to explore all that our department has to offer, whether you are a student, a researcher, a patient, a collaborator, or a stakeholder. We are proud of the work we do, and our inclusive environment ensures that everyone can thrive. I am confident you will find the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Pittsburgh to be an inspiring and innovative place to receive care, participate in research, and learn, and I hope that you will connect with us.
Respectfully,
Gwendolyn Sowa, MD, PhD
Professor and Chair
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Co-Director, Ferguson Laboratory for Orthopaedic and Spine Research
University of Pittsburgh
Director, UPMC Rehabilitation Institute