Health Opportunities & Professional Engagement
About the CU PM&R Health Opportunities and Professional Engagement Committee
Welcome to the Health Opportunities and Professional Engagement webpage for the Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at the University of Colorado Anschutz.
CU PM&R is committed to promoting professional development and engagement in all aspects of our clinical, academic, and service work.
We strive to create a culture that is respectful of all individuals, where all members feel valued, respected, and supported.
Our CU PM&R Health Opportunities and Professional Engagement Committee is dedicated to implementing these goals through:
- Continuing to advise the Department Chair on matters related to professional engagement and opportunities.
- Supporting recruitment to rehab professions through broad outreach and volunteer activities for young leaders.
- Collaborate with the Executive Vice Chair of Faculty Affairs on selected faculty development training including career development and leadership.
- Support the CU PM&R community engagement and pro bono efforts (such as CU Global)
Collectively, we will strive to ensure that our patients receive culturally appropriate, quality medical care.
Members of Committee:
- Michael Harris-Love, PT, MPT, DSc, FGSA, FAPTA (Chair)
- Zachary Arcona, PsyD
- Catharine Johnston-Brooks, PhD
- Alison Colbert, PhD
- Scott Laker, MD
- Adele Meron, MD
- William Niehaus, MD
- Zachary Noriega, MPA
PT Advocacy in Washington DC!
2026 Students Alan Martinez, SPT [APTA CO Student SIG President] and Maren Porter, SPT [APTA CO Governmental Affairs Committee Student Representative] were two of over 500 APTA members who worked together to advocate for patient health and healthcare access on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. They spoke with legislators, representatives, and health correspondents about important federal issues impacting the future of physical therapy and healthcare as a whole.
“Healthcare access, opportunity, and education are vital parts of a nation's success and welfare. Thank you to everyone who helped us experience this amazing opportunity!” -Alan and Maren
The Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation is proud of our partnerships with DAWN Clinic and the Stout Street Clinic which both provide quality healthcare to underserved populations in the Denver Metro area and align with our greater mission to "grow the value of rehab."
Learn more about holidays, heritage, history, and identity observances, and corresponding events throughout the year.
Winter Health Awareness:
December 1: World AIDS Day
December 1-7: National Handwashing Awareness Week
December: National Safe Toys and Gifts Month
January: Cervical Health Awareness Month
January: National Birth Defects Awareness Month
January: National Blood Donor Month
January: Glaucoma Awareness Month
January: National Stalking Awareness Month
January: Thyroid Awareness Month
February 4: World Cancer Day
February 6: Give Kids a Smile Day
February 7: National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
February 7-14: Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week
February 13-21: National Condom Week
February 14: National Donor Day
February 22: National Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day
February 28: Rare Disease Day
February 23-March 1: National Eating Disorders Awareness Week
February: Low Vision Awareness Month
February: American Heart Health Month
February: Prenatal Infection Awareness Month
February: National Children's Dental Health Month
February: National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month