News
Two HERL (Human Engineering Research Laboratories) students receive the 2025 Most Innovative Award at the VAPHS Annual Best Practice Conference
Jeffrey Pettigrew, 4th year medical student at Pitt, and Owen Flaugh, doctoral student in Bioengineering at Pitt, received the 2025 Most Innovative Award at the VAPHS 18th Annual Best Practice Conference for their presentation: “Evaluation of the Active Permeable Pressure Relieving Dynamic…
New Research Fund to Drive Spina Bifida Breakthroughs at Pitt and UPMC
A $1.05 million gift, announced today by the Harpey K Foundation, will establish the Harpey K Research Fund at The University of Pittsburgh’s Rehab Neural Engineering Labs (RNEL). This fund will drive RNEL’s multidisciplinary team to bring personalized solutions to spina bifida care.
ARRC Presents: REGEN REHAB '25 New Frontiers in Regenerative Rehabilitation
Pittsburgh is where it all began... On behalf of co-course director, Dr. Richard Lieber, and myself, we are thrilled to invite you to ARRC Presents: Regen Rehab '25: New Frontiers in Rehabilitation, hosted by Shirley Ryan Ability Lab. Building upon a decade of Regen Rehab Symposia, started at the…
PM&R Department helps out at the Annual Wheelchair Wash and Tune up!
Sponsored by Pitt’s School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitatione and UPMC Rehabilitation Institute, the event is a one-stop shop for wheelchair users to access minor repairs and cleaning services as well as local disability serving…
Dr. Brad Dicianno named Community Hero by Community Living and Support Services (CLASS)
Each year CLASS holds the Community Heroes Awards Dinner to recognize our region’s top humanitarians who are strong advocates for inclusive and equitable communities. Dr. Brad Dicianno, will be honored at this year’s celebration for his work with people living in the community with Spina Bifida
Dr. Rory Cooper advises on "How to Get the Best Wheelchair Setup for Your Lifestyle" for New Mobility
The wheelchair selection process of getting fitted for and choosing the best seating system (wheelchair, cushion and backrest) can be a daunting process. To help you make the most out of the next time you select a wheelchair...
Dr. Brad Dicianno's research publication "Women Veterans’ Experiences with Mobility Assistive Technology" is highlighted by the VA Office of Research and Development (ORD)
More than two million Women Veterans have experienced disabilities requiring a mobility device such as a cane, walker, brace, or wheelchair...
Dr. Rory Cooper speaks to PBS News Hour Classroom "Educator Voice: Creating a more accessible world through invention"
Dr. Rory Cooper is a leading inventor in rehabilitation engineering, focused on developing innovative solutions for people with disabilities. In this interview, Cooper emphasizes that innovation can begin anywhere and that anyone can get started at any age. He encourages young inventors to start…
Congratulations to Dr. Amy Houtrow for receiving this year’s AAPMR Krusen Lifetime Achievement award!
Each year, AAPM&R takes time to honor pioneering physiatrists, clinicians, researchers, and public servants who have made significant contributions to both the specialty and to individuals with disabilities and vulnerable populations at risk for disabilities.
Congratulations to Wendell Robinson for receiving the UPMC Medical Education Administrator Well-Being Champion of the Year Award!
The UPMC Medical Education Administrator Well-Being Champion of the Year Award recognizes a coordinator who fosters a culture of wellness by leading initiatives, promoting engagement, and encouraging use of UPMC’s well-being resources. A role model for creating a healthier, more supportive work…
Congratulations Dr. Drew Redepenning and Dr. Lynn Worobey for being selected by the Neilsen Foundation Creating Opportunity & Independence Community Support Grant for funding
The University of Pittsburgh Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation has been awarded funding from the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation for the project Empowered eSports: Accessible Community Gaming for Connection and Growth. This two-year initiative will enhance social…
Faculty Update – August 2025
Congratulations to the following faculty for their years of service and accomplishments
Achievements by Dr. Anthony Kline and Dr. Corina Bondi trainees highlight Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Safar Center Research excellence
At the Big Ten Neuroscience Conference hosted by Penn State University, trainees from the laboratories of Drs. Anthony Kline and Corina Bondi showcased the outstanding research culture fostered in the Department of PMR and the Safar Center for Resuscitation Research.
