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.
Spring Health Awareness:
National Cancer Survivors Day (Dates vary, June 7, 2026)
World Blood Donor Day (June 14, 2026)
Autistic Pride Day (June 18, 2026)
World Sickle Cell Awareness Day (June 19, 2026)
Deaf-Blind Awareness Week (Dates vary, June 22-28, 2026)
National HIV Testing Day (June 27, 2026)
National PTSD Awareness Day (June 27, 2026)
National Gun Violence Awareness Month (June)
Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month (June)
Cataract Awareness Month (June)
Men's Health Month (June)
Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Month (June)
National Aphasia Awareness Month (June)
National Congenital Cytomegalovirus Awareness Month (June)
National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month (June)
National Safety Month (June)
National Scleroderma Awareness Month (June)
PTSD Awareness Month (June)
Scoliosis Awareness Month (June)
World Hepatitis Day (July 28)
Cord Blood Awareness Month (July)
Group B Strep International Awareness Month (July)
Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month (July)
National Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness and Prevention Month (July)
Sarcoma Awareness Month (July)
UV Safety Awareness Month (July)
World Lung Cancer Awareness Day (August 1)
World Breastfeeding Week (August 1-7)
National Health Center Week (Dates Vary, August 2-8, 2026)
Contact Lens Health Week (Dates Vary, August 17-21, 2026)
International Overdose Awareness Day (August 31)
Children's Eye Health and Safety Month (August)
Gastroparesis Awareness Month (August)
National Breastfeeding Month (August)
National Immunization Awareness Month (August)
Psoriasis Action Month (August)
Summer Sun Safety Month (August)