Photo of Dr. Akuthota
Venu Akuthota, MD

Professor, Chair, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
CU Medicine Endowed Chair

Welcome to CU PM&R

We have discovered the next miracle in medicine -- and it is you. The fields of Rehabilitation believe in using your whole body to improve your human performance. The department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Colorado (which we affectionately call "CU PM&R") is at the forefront of using team science, regenerative medicine, and exercise treatments. It is uniquely situated in the state-of-the-art University of Colorado Anschutz, the first campus in the nation to be built from the ground up to bring research, education, and patient care into one visionary collaboration. Like the Rocky Mountains that provide a backdrop of our institutions, CU PM&R is on the rise! We combine the disciplines of rehabilitation medicine, physical therapy, psychology, speech/language therapy, and rehabilitation sciences into a singular department. The following video stories reinforce the mission of the department: "Growing the Value of Rehab." 

The stories of CU PM&R are countless, but here are a few. Joyce Oleszek, MD, a pediatric rehabilitation medicine physician at Children's Hospital Colorado, made an emotional appearance on the Dr. Oz Show describing medical miracles. She was part of the CHCO team that rehabilitated severely brain-injured high schoolers to later walk across the stage at his high school graduation. The miracle of rehabilitation was clearly evident in this story. ​

Read more...​

 

Upcoming Events

PM&R News

  • CU Anschutz Faculty Member Receives Pediatric Rehabilitation Pilot Research Grant

    Sep 14, 2026 by Zachary Noriega, MPA
    Jordan Wyrwa, DO, assistant professor in the Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, has received the $10,000 Gabriella E. Molnar-Swafford Pediatric Rehabilitation Pilot Research Grant from the Foundation for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. The pilot study will examine whether blood-based biomarkers can help predict recovery of consciousness and functional outcomes in children with disorders of consciousness following serious neurologic injury. Findings from the research may improve clinicians' ability to assess recovery and guide care for pediatric patients while laying the groundwork for larger future studies.
    Full story

  • Wendy Kriekels, PT, DPT, NCS Reflects on a Career of Teaching, Mentorship, and Service

    Jul 22, 2026 by Zachary Noriega, MPA
    After more than two decades of service to the CU Physical Therapy Program, Wendy Kriekels, PT, DPT, NCS, Senior Instructor of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, will retire effective September 1, 2026. Read about her remarkable career and contributions to our program.
    Full story

  • Can Spinal Cord Stimulation Help Reduce Chronic Pain After a Spinal Cord Injury?

    Jun 18, 2026
    Graduating Chief Resident David Gallacher, MD, was featured in this CU Anschutz Today article exploring how neuromodulation is being used to decrease pain signals reaching the brain in people with spinal cord injury.
    Full story

  • 39th Annual Gersten Day

    Jun 12, 2026 by Zachary Noriega, MPA
    The CU Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation celebrated it's 39th Annual Gersten Day Rehabilitation Scientific Symposium. Attendees heard presentations from our outgoing residents and fellows, celebrated the retirement of Drs. Heather Baer and Deborah Saint-Phard, and heard from our keynote speaker CT Lin, MD, FACP, FAMIA.
    Full story

  • A Career of Firsts and Lasting Impact

    Jun 1, 2026 by PM&R News
    Dr. Heather Baer concludes a distinguished 25-year career at the University of Colorado marked by innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a deep commitment to patient care and education. A nationally recognized expert in movement disorders rehabilitation, she has played a pivotal role in advancing stroke recovery, Parkinson disease care, and complex neurorehabilitation while helping to build key clinical programs and foster cross-specialty partnerships. As a clinician, researcher, and educator, Dr. Baer has shaped both the field and the next generation of physicians, leaving a lasting legacy defined by leadership, mentorship, and transformative impact in rehabilitation medicine.
    Full story

  • Dr. Stevens-Lapsley is Recognized for Outstanding Achievement in Rehabilitation Research and Development

    May 19, 2026 by PM&R News
    The CU Physical Therapy Program congratulates Jennifer Stevens-Lapsley, PT, PhD, FAPTA, Professor of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, on being named the 2026 recipient of the Paul B. Magnuson Award by the VA Office of Research and Development.
    Full story

  • 'It's a game changer': An institute in Aurora makes a lifesaving impact for those with traumatic brain injury

    Apr 26, 2026
    Ashley McCann, PT, DPT, NCS, Senior Instructor of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, was featured in this 9News article to discuss the incredible work around traumatic brain injury happening at the Marcus Institute for Brain Health.
    Full story

  • E-Bike Education and Safety: ‘Everyone has a stake in being safe’

    Apr 23, 2026
    William Niehaus, MD, Associate Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, was featured in this Front Porch Northeast Denver article on an e-bike safety meeting hosted April 21st.
    Full story

  • Can This Blood-Flow Restricting Approach Boost Strength in People With Parkinson’s?

    Mar 30, 2026
    Mark Manago, PT, DPT, PhD, NCS, Associate Professor of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, was featured in this CU Anschutz Science Snapshot article on boosting strength in patients living with Parkinson's.
    Full story

  • Get to Know: Colin Malaska, MD

    Mar 20, 2026 by Zachary Noriega, MPA
    CU PM&R spotlights our incoming Chief Resident Dr. Colin Malaska. Learn more about his journey to physiatry, time within our residency program, and goals as Chief Resident.
    Full story

  • Get to Know: Jeffrey Kepple, MD

    Mar 19, 2026 by Zachary Noriega, MPA
    CU PM&R spotlights our incoming Chief Resident Dr. Jeffrey Kepple. Learn more about his journey to physiatry, time within our residency program, and goals as Chief Resident.
    Full story

  • Get to Know: John Hesling, MD

    Mar 17, 2026 by Zachary Noriega, MPA
    CU PM&R spotlights our incoming Chief Resident Dr. John Hesling. Learn more about his journey to physiatry, time within our residency program, and goals at Chief Resident.
    Full story

  • What Taking Short Stretch Breaks During the Day May Do for Your Blood Sugar and Joint Health

    Feb 25, 2026
    Ryan Marker, PT, PhD, Assistant Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, was featured in this health.com article to discuss several studies that have shown that static stretching can produce similar decreases in blood sugar as those seen in response to aerobic and resistance exercise, both in the short and long term.
    Full story

  • Faculty Spotlight: Amanda Miller, PA‑C

    Mar 12, 2026 by Zachary Noriega, MPA
    Senior Instructor Amanda Miller, PA‑C, spent three weeks last July providing primary care at a Northwestern University–affiliated clinic in rural Bolivia. Working with adult and pediatric patients, precepting a medical student, and supporting a sustainable local care model, Miller’s experience reflects her strong commitment to global health and service‑oriented medical education.
    Full story

  • Eye Tests Reveal Brain Trauma More Than a Decade After Concussions

    Mar 2, 2026
    A test studying eye movement in military veterans who suffered concussions found that subtle effects can persist for more than a decade. Scientists at the CU Anschutz Marcus Institute for Brain Health, including Jeffrey Hebert, PT, PhD, associate professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation, found that, for some veterans with brain trauma, changes in attention, processing speed and impulse control lingered long after symptoms had appeared to resolve. The study could help improve long-term concussion care.
    Full story

  • Dr. Scott Laker Concludes Transformative Year as AAPM&R President

    Feb 9, 2026
    Scott Laker, MD, Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs, Adult Health, and Professor of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, completed his year as the 2025 President of the American Academy of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (AAPM&R). Under his leadership, the Academy has a year of significant advocacy wins , including protecting reimbursement, safeguarding scope of practice, and advancing prior authorization reform.
    Full story

  • NIH Grant Aims to Improve Lifespan Care for Adults with Cerebral Palsy

    Jan 26, 2026
    Cristina Sarmiento, MD, assistant professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation, was featured in this ACCORDS article about grant funding to develop an online health tool for adults with cerebral palsy.
    Full story

Recent News

Restarting Brain Healing After Stroke: CU Anschutz Joins Promising Stem Cell Trial

Dr. William Niehaus Headshot by Zachary Noriega, MPA | Oct 21, 2025
William Niehaus, MD, Associate Professor of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at the University of Colorado Anschutz, is a co-researcher on a groundbreaking clinical trial aimed at giving stroke survivors a second chance at recovery long after the initial healing window has passed. The trial, called SuNR1se II (NR1-03), is part of a multi-site Phase 2B study led by researchers at Stanford University. CU Anschutz is now joining the effort, which explores the use of engineered stem cells to “reboot” the brain’s healing process 6-9 months, or even years, after an ischemic stroke.

A Career of Firsts and Lasting Impact

Dr. Baer headshot. by PM&R News | Jun 1, 2026
Dr. Heather Baer concludes a distinguished 25-year career at the University of Colorado marked by innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a deep commitment to patient care and education. A nationally recognized expert in movement disorders rehabilitation, she has played a pivotal role in advancing stroke recovery, Parkinson disease care, and complex neurorehabilitation while helping to build key clinical programs and foster cross-specialty partnerships. As a clinician, researcher, and educator, Dr. Baer has shaped both the field and the next generation of physicians, leaving a lasting legacy defined by leadership, mentorship, and transformative impact in rehabilitation medicine.

CU Anschutz Faculty Member Receives Pediatric Rehabilitation Pilot Research Grant

Photo of Dr. Wyrwa by Zachary Noriega, MPA | Sep 14, 2026
Jordan Wyrwa, DO, assistant professor in the Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, has received the $10,000 Gabriella E. Molnar-Swafford Pediatric Rehabilitation Pilot Research Grant from the Foundation for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. The pilot study will examine whether blood-based biomarkers can help predict recovery of consciousness and functional outcomes in children with disorders of consciousness following serious neurologic injury. Findings from the research may improve clinicians' ability to assess recovery and guide care for pediatric patients while laying the groundwork for larger future studies.

Eye Tests Reveal Brain Trauma More Than a Decade After Concussions

Jeffrey-Hebert Mar 2, 2026
A test studying eye movement in military veterans who suffered concussions found that subtle effects can persist for more than a decade. Scientists at the CU Anschutz Marcus Institute for Brain Health, including Jeffrey Hebert, PT, PhD, associate professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation, found that, for some veterans with brain trauma, changes in attention, processing speed and impulse control lingered long after symptoms had appeared to resolve. The study could help improve long-term concussion care.

2026-2027 Grand Rounds Schedule:

 

 Date Presenter Topic
Wednesday, September 2, 2026Christy AngerhoferInclusive Excellence and Fair Recruitment
Wednesday, October 7, 2026Colleen Schneider, MDPharmacologic Enhancement of Neuroplasticity After Brain Injury: Past Research and Future Directions
Wednesday, November 4, 2026Daniel R. Kramer, MDBrain Computer Interface: Current State, Future Directions, and Applications Towards Cognitive Neural Prosthetics
Wednesday, December 2, 2026Karin Payne, PhDNITRO Project
Wednesday, January 6, 2027Peter Fecci, MDBrain Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy
Wednesday, February 3, 2027Joshua F. Yarrow, MD, PhD, FACSMTargeting Musculoskeletal Recovery after Spinal Cord Injury: Preclinical & Clinical Strategies
Wednesday, March 3, 2027Abraham Nussbaum, MDCourting Inspiration: How the Health Humanities Repattern the Imagination of Clinicians
Wednesday, April 7, 2027

12 Annual Dennis J. Matthews Lectureship

TBD
TBD: May 2027PhD Research SymposiumOrganized by Jennifer Stevens-Lapsley, PT, PhD, FAPTA
Wednesday, June 2, 2027Casey Greene, PhDColorado Center for Personalized Medicine Presentation and AI Talk

Wednesdays, 5-6 p.m.

University of Colorado Anschutz | Academic Office Building 1 - Room 7000 | 12631 E. 17th Ave., Aurora, CO 80045. In-person attendance encouraged.

Livestream here.

Important Recognition Months and Days

 

 Date Recognition
MarchBrain Injury Awareness Month
MarchCerebral Palsy Awareness Month
March 8thInternational Women's Day
March 30thNational Doctors' Day
MayNational Stroke Awareness Month
May 27thPsychology Day
SeptemberNational Pain Awareness Month
SeptemberNational Rehabilitation Awareness Month
SeptemberNational Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month
September 4-10Suicide Prevention Week
September 7thWorld Duchenne Awareness Day
OctoberNational Physical Therapy Month
November 11thVeteran's Day

 

 

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

CU Anschutz

Academic Office One

12631 East 17th Avenue

Rm 1201G

Aurora, CO 80045

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