After more than three decades of dedicated service to the University of Colorado Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (CU PM&R), Dr. Michael Blei, Associate Professor, will officially retire on July 1, 2025. His career has been defined by clinical excellence, visionary leadership, and a deep commitment to patient care, education, and mentorship.

Dr. Blei joined the CU PM&R faculty in July 1991, bringing with him a rich academic background that included a mathematics degree from the College of Idaho, an MD from Vanderbilt University, and residency training at the University of Utah. He further advanced his expertise through an NIH T32 training grant at the University of Washington, focusing on cellular energetics.

From 1991 to 2002, Dr. Blei served at University of Colorado Hospital (UCH), where he played a pivotal role in the EMG clinics and served as the medical director of the inpatient acute rehabilitation unit. During this time, he was also awarded the prestigious NIH K11 Physician Scientist Award, which he held from 1993 to 2000.

In 2002, Dr. Blei transitioned to Denver Health, where he has remained a cornerstone of the institution as Division Chief and Director of the Electrodiagnostic Service. From approximately 2005 to 2020, he also served as the medical director for the acute inpatient rehab unit, shaping the care of countless patients and mentoring a generation of physiatrists.

A memorable moment of Dr. Blei’s final month with the department came at the 38th Annual Gersten Day, CU PM&R’s signature academic event. There, he delivered his “last lecture,” titled “A Rehabilitation Carol.” True to his character, the talk was filled with humor, optimism, and heartfelt reflections—a lighthearted yet meaningful sendoff that left the audience both laughing and inspired.

Reflecting on his time with CU PM&R, Dr. Blei describes it as “a wonderful career,” noting the excitement of watching the department’s talent grow year after year. While he jokes about his unsuccessful campaign for a mountain department condo, his contributions to departmental initiatives and training programs have left a lasting impact.

When asked what drew him to PM&R, Dr. Blei points to the specialty’s core philosophy: maximizing function. It’s a principle that has guided his work and inspired those around him. “Being part of PM&R and the advancement of training programs to become on par with other specialties is something I’m truly proud of,” he says.

As he looks ahead to retirement, Dr. Blei plans to explore more of Colorado and the Pacific Northwest, continue his “terrible” golf game, ski at a leisurely pace, and teach his grandchildren how to fly fish. But what he’ll miss most? “The people—residents, faculty, and staff I’ve had the pleasure to work beside.”

To the next generation of physiatrists, Dr. Blei offers this advice: “Keep doing the things that ground you. Create a practice where you love going in and going home each day. Always strive to do what is right for the patient, right for those around you, and right for society—then you can sleep at night with a clear conscience.”

With characteristic optimism, he leaves us with a final thought: “Be optimistic! You are going to be part of some amazing changes in medicine.”

Dr. Blei’s legacy will continue to inspire long after his last day on campus. His career is a testament to the power of compassion, curiosity, and commitment in shaping the future of rehabilitation medicine.

Dr. Blei pictured here with his young children shortly after starting at UCHealth.