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

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.

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, MDBuilding a Research Program to Study Neuroplasticity on the Rehab Unit
Wednesday, November 4, 2026Daniel R. Kramer, MDBrain Computer Interfaces
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, MDTBD
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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