UPMC Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Recognizes Recent Achievements

With a staff of award-winning physicians, researchers, and faculty, the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) treats patients at UPMC Rehabilitation Institute inpatient units, as well as on an outpatient basis. The Department's reputation for the science and practice of rehabilitation attracts top doctors and investigators who continue to make advances in both clinical and research environments.

Read about recent achievements, including clinical excellence and research breakthroughs.

• Dan Ding, PhD, associate professor and vice chair for research, University of Pittsburgh Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology, is set to start the “Smart Tech for Paralysis (ST4P) Implementation Hub,” with the help of a $5 million donation.
• This will form a partnership between the University of Pittsburgh Department of Rehabilitation Science of Technology and UPMC Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation to ramp up activities on the spinal cord injury (SCI) inpatient unit and the Center for Assistive Technology (CAT).
• Vision: to be at the forefront of adapting and deploying smart technology in paralysis care, ensuring accessible and impactful solutions reach those in need, enhancing autonomy and community engagement.
• Mission: seamlessly connect individuals with paralysis to existing smart technologies, tailoring and implementing effective solutions that ease the transition and enhance community living.
• PM&R faculty, staff, and resident involvement:
• Lynn Worobey (Co-Director)
• Mike Boninger (Senior Advisor)
• Randy Huzinec (Associate Director for Clinical Services)
• Drew Redepenning (Resident)
• Mitch Bell (collaborator through ASSIST+)
• Gwen Sowa (Advisory Board)
• Brad Dicianno (Advisory Board)
• Lee Fisher, PhD, and Elvira Pirondini, PhD, Rehab Neural Engineering Labs, were involved in the stroke study, “Epidural Stimulation of the Cervical Spinal Cord for Post-Stroke Upper-Limb Paresis,” which was selected among the top 20 medical achievements of the country in 2023 by the Clinical Research Forum.
• The work was among the very best of a large and competitive field of submitted nominations. It is a high honor and a remarkable accomplishment, given the level of quality, scientific rigor, and innovation in this year’s batch of nominated studies.
• The Clinical Research Forum is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing leadership to the national clinical and translational research enterprise and promoting understanding and support for clinical research and its impact on health and health care.
• Sarah Laughlin, PhD, department of physical medicine and rehabilitation, was nominated and accepted as a member of the National PKU Alliance (NPKUA) Research Registry Committee.
• She will collaborate with a group of PKU experts to review applications for use of the NPKUA Research Registry and applications for NPKUA to support recruitment to academic/industry-funded research.
• The National PKU Alliance is a vital voice for the PKU community. They work toward expanding PKU research and accelerating the timeline for a cure by investing in peer-reviewed and targeted research. They provide education and support to people living with PKU. They are the national voice for advocacy at the federal level.
• Tad Gorske, PhD, and Melissa Sutcliffe, PhD, department of physical medicine and rehabilitation, served on a panel for a March 9^th event sponsored by The Greater Pittsburgh Psychological Association at Carlow University.
• They discussed the topic of integrating psychological evaluation and neuropsychological testing into professional practice with a group of psychologists and students.