New Chair of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

(May 2018) Venu Akuthota, MD, was named chair of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation effective January 1.

Akuthota has been on the School of Medicine faculty since 2002 and has served as vice chair and professor of the department and medical director of the Spine Center at the University of Colorado Hospital. He has also served as the department’s residency program director.

“Venu brings exceptional talent and experience to this leadership role,” said School of Medicine Dean John J. Reilly, MD.

Akuthota is author of more than 90 publications, author/editor of two textbooks, and has spoken and chaired national and regional conferences. He is a founding senior editor of the PM&R journal and has held leadership positions in the North American Spine Society and Musculoskeletal Council Chair for the American Academy of PM&R.

Venu succeeds Dennis Matthews, MD, who became chair in December 1996 and who has had a distinguished and pioneering career. Matthews is recognized as a leader in care for patients with pediatric muscle disease and cerebral palsy.