Sep 22, 2026

John Hesling, MD, Chief Resident of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and Austin Boos, DO, Assistant Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, were featured in this North American Spine Society SpineLine Magazine Podcast to discuss the benefits and risks of Gabapentin use for spine-related pain.

Sep 29, 2026

In this CU Anschutz Today article, featuring Andrew Smith, PT, DPT, PhD, associate professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation, Garrett Northrup is a dedicated young rancher with a deep love of Colorado, animals, agriculture and his work. When a rollover ranching accident broke his C5 and C6 vertebrae and paralyzed him from the chest down on Halloween night 2024, it would have been understandable if his outlook on life had changed. Instead, the question became: How can he adapt and get back to doing the work he loves? Now, Northrup is part of a study at CU Anschutz and Craig Hospital that will test if a neurostimulator can activate the undamaged neural tissue in his spine to restore some function to his lower body.

Sep 14, 2026 by Zachary Noriega, MPA

Jordan Wyrwa, DO, assistant professor in the Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at the University of Colorado Anschutz 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Jan 8, 2026

Michael Harris-Love, DSC, MPT, PT, FAPTA, professor and associate dean of physical therapy education, and his research colleagues published a literature review that stresses the need for standardized definitions and consensus-based guidelines for assessing muscle health.