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UPMC NOW highlights Dr. Drew Redepenning and Dr. Rory Cooper

In the latest episode of UPMC NOW, the series features local events Empowered Esports and the Keystone Wheelchair Games and its commitment to inclusion
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Pitt ranked No. 7 for NIH research funding in 2025; Department of PM&R ranked No. 1!

The University of Pittsburgh received $669.7 million in National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding in 2025, making it the seventh highest recipient of NIH dollars, according to new rankings released by the Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research. The six health sciences schools were all ranked…
man in a room with a group of people, sitting in a wheelchair using an adaptive VR gaming device

Mitch Bell and Dr. Drew Redepenning highlighted in Pittsburgh Post-Gazette article on Empowered Esports

Monthly Empowered Esports events at UPMC bring game play to those with physical challenges (photo: Justin Guido/Post-Gazette)
two men in wheelchairs throwring bocce balls

Keystone Wheelchair Games provide a platform for para-athletes in Pittsburgh

Hosted by the Human Engineering Research Laboratories (HERL), Dr. Rory A. Cooper speaks about the games, which are an annual, winter-based adaptive sports competition held in Pittsburgh’s Bakery Square designed for para-athletes to compete in events. (photo: Massoud Hossaini | TribLive)
Pittsburgh Mighty Penguins sled hockey on the ice

UPMC and WPXI series highlights Dan McCoy and Lee (Marshall) Tempest

UPMC "Every Victory Counts" features The Mighty Penguins with Dan McCoy, and Pittsburgh Steelwheelers with Lee (Marshall) Tempest
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Date set for the 2026 UPMC Adaptive Sports Conference

Save the date for the 2026 UPMC Adaptive Sports Conference, a multi-disciplinary CME/CEU-accredited conference designed for healthcare professionals, trainees, students and community partners supporting local adaptive sports.
photo of Orland Bethel

Pitt will expand its musculoskeletal care and research with a strategic investment from the Orland Bethel family

The Orland Bethel Family Foundation, a powerful supporter of the health sciences at the University of Pittsburgh, has committed an additional $53.5 million to expand the Orland Bethel Family Musculoskeletal Research Center
image of a spine with the text "Save the Date"

Date announced for Spinal Cord Injury: an Interdisciplinary Rehabilitation Conference

Save the date: April 18, 2026 for Spinal Cord Injury: An interdisciplinary rehabilitation conference

Faculty Update – January 2026

Congratulations to the following faculty for their accomplishments…
photo of therapist and patient using resistance bands

UPMC Physician Resources highlights the Adult Spina Bifida Clinic in a new 11-part series

The UPMC Adult Spina Bifida Clinic: A Multidisciplinary, Longitudinal Model for Optimal Patient Care, Support, and Advocacy
photo of mitch bell at the Assist+ Center

Mitch Bell is highlighted in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette for his custom solutions at UPMC Assist+

Helping restore autonomy to many, the assistive technology center allows patients to try devices and learn what exists. (photo: Alexandra Wimley/Post-Gazette)
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Dr. Brad Dicianno to be honored at AAP Annual Meeting – "Physiatry ’26"

Dr. Dicianno has been selected to receive the AAP Outstanding Service Award for his dedication to the RREMS program and volunteer service to the AAP. This award recognizes exceptional efforts by an AAP member…
photo of rory cooper

Congratulations to Dr. Rory A. Cooper for receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award at the US Forces in Business Awards

On December 3, 2025, the latest edition of the US Forces in Business Awards took place at the Capital Hilton’s Presidential Ballroom, Washington DC, gathering US business and military leaders to recognize and celebrate the exceptional talents and achievements of the Military Community across 16…
digital scan of a child's head

Pitt and UPMC Study – led by senior author Dr. Amery Treble-Barna – finds Signature of Pediatric Brain Injury

Published today in the Journal of Neurotrauma, this study is first to identify a signature of potentially reversible chemical modifications of DNA, called epigenetic modifications, that may serve as dynamic indicators of post-injury recovery and guide future precision rehabilitation strategies.
photo of a man and two women standing in front of a screen at a research conference in Chicago IL

Dr. Arielle Hall wins the poster award at the Regen Rehab '25 conference

Arielle Hall, DO (PGY-2) garnered significant attention at the Regen Rehab '25 conference, winning the poster award by a substantial margin with a near-perfect score. Her presentation on the impact of combined oral contraceptives on skeletal muscle health sparked engaging…