A new study co-authored by Kristie F. Bjornson, PT, PhD, found that combining power training with interval treadmill training improved walking speed and muscle power in kids with cerebral palsy. Learn more: https://ow.ly/6Nf350Zp8YR

A new multi-institution research project will explore how social and psychological factors shape mobility after spinal cord injury, supported by a two-year, $299,917 Craig H. Neilsen Foundation grant. Learn more: https://ow.ly/ExQg50Zp7Xp

Congratulations to Samantha A. Burns, PhD, who was elected to a two-year term on the University of Washington School of Medicine Professors Council on Appointments and Promotions. The council plays an important role in supporting faculty advancement and academic excellence in the School of Medicine.

Congratulations to Cherry Junn, MD, and Christopher McMullen, MD, CAQSM, on their selection to the University of Washington School of Medicine Rising Leaders 2026-2027 cohort, a program for emerging leaders. Dr. Junn was also selected to serve a 3-year term on the Harborview Medical Executive Board.

Interested in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the UW School of Medicine? A Zoom information session is coming up at 5 p.m. PT tomorrow, July 15. Learn more and register: https://rehab.washington.edu/news-and-events/july-15-doctor-of-physical-therapy-zoom-information-session/

Meet incoming Master of Occupational Therapy student Steady Tran. Tran was inspired to study occupational therapy when he saw the care his grandfather received from OTs. Learn more: https://rehab.washington.edu/news-and-events/tran-receives-uw-gsee-graduate-tuition-award/

Assistant Professor Sarah Simmons, MD, PhD, received a Weill Neurohub Clinician-Scientist Award, which provides $75,000 in funding. Her research will examine how physical activity and lifestyle factors influence myelination in people with multiple sclerosis. https://ow.ly/tb1o50ZhNiW

UW Medicine researchers highlight in an April 2026 editorial how long COVID’s mental health effects are shaped by biological, social, and psychological factors. Screening and care should reflect this. Read more: https://ow.ly/N4Mu50ZhMhG

Join us for the second annual SMA Community Day on July 11 at Edmonds Civic Park. Enjoy games, activities, music, food, and opportunities to connect with people living with spinal muscular atrophy, families, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. Register at Eventbrite: https://ow.ly/XQ8h50ZjttZ

Carolynn Patten, PhD, PT, FAPTA, and Theresa McGuirk, MS, published a perspective in Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience exploring how computer vision motion capture, aka markerless motion capture, may support clinical care, including stroke rehabilitation. Read more: https://ow.ly/PALV50ZhM7n

Associate Professor Nicole Mazwi, MD, is part of a clinical program exploring paired vagus nerve stimulation for stroke recovery. The approach combines stimulation with rehabilitation exercises to support movement and daily function. Read more: https://ow.ly/3XpN50Zftxw

Congratulations to Mika Toor, a first-year Doctor of Physical Therapy student, on receiving a $1,000 scholarship from the Lisa Wong Legacy Endowed Fund for Stroke Rehabilitation Research. Toor will begin research this summer with Research Assistant Professor Fatma Inanici, PhD.

Sue Spaulding, L/CPO, FAAOP, and Jelena N. Svircev, MD, received a $5,000 grant from the UW Center for Leadership and Innovation in Medical Education for a project on building expertise in adaptive sports. Dr. Svircev, in cream sweater, is shown volunteering with a sled hockey team.

Scenes from the SCI Wellness Summit! On May 2, people with spinal cord injuries, clinicians, and community partners came together for adaptive recreation and creative activities. Missed it? NWRSCIS hosts regular events—learn more: https://sci.washington.edu/index.asp

Global collaboration in action: In May, the Prosthetics & Orthotics program welcomed five fellows from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland through the Initiative ’93 Technische Orthopädie Fellowship Program. During their Seattle visit, they met with faculty and attended the 2026 Lehmann Symposium.

Back in April, Jasmine Jones, a Doctor of Physical Therapy student, and Shariphine Agoalikum, a Rehabilitation Science PhD student, presented at the 2026 ACPOC conference in Philadelphia. Their research looks at how modified powered cars can support toddlers’ play, mobility, and social interaction.

Assistant Professors Rachel Prusynski, DPT, PhD, and Britt St. John, PhD, MPH, OTR/L, recently attended a national grant writing workshop at the American Physical Therapy Association headquarters in Alexandria, VA, as part of the WISH (Workshop in Implementation Science and Health Services) program.

Paired vagus nerve stimulation may help with stroke recovery. A team at UW Medicine is exploring how this therapy can improve movement after stroke. Nicole Mazwi, MD, associate professor of rehabilitation medicine, says it can help restore essential daily activities: https://ow.ly/Xyen50Z4r7H

Acting Assistant Professor Erin G. Mistretta, PhD, received an $819,914, K23 Career Development Award from the NIH’s National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Read more: https://ow.ly/a2vV50YXT1O

Professor Stefania Fatone is featured in the latest issue of NCOPE NoteWorthy. The story highlights the Orthotics and Prosthetics Activities Lab (OPAL). Read the story: https://ncope.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Spring-2026-NoteWorthy.pdf

Professor David C. Morgenroth, MD, will present at the International Society for Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine in Vancouver, BC, on May 20, 2026. The symposium focuses on new approaches to improve mobility for aging veterans. Read more: https://ow.ly/eKXE50YXTpo

When a horse rider falls, the instinct is to help right away—but what to do? A new film from The Sports Institute at UW Medicine shows how to respond in the first minutes after a horseback riding accident, especially when a serious injury is possible. Read more: https://ow.ly/moso50YVI9j

The Department of Rehabilitation Medicine is recognized in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate Schools rankings. The occupational therapy program tied for No. 20, and the physical therapy program tied for No. 31 in the nation. Read more: https://ow.ly/1Kuf50YXSTT

Associate Professor Heather A. Feldner, PhD, and her team have published a study on how powered mobility supports toddlers with significant motor disabilities. Read more:

Assistant Professor Rachel Prusynski has received a $64,800 grant from the National Institute on Aging IMPACT Collaboratory to support participation in the 2025 Real World Data Scholars Program. Read more:

The day concludes with a panel discussion on hot topics in sports and exercise medicine featuring Drs. Eric Chen (Moderator), Jonathan Finnoff, Brian Krabak, Hanna Hunter, Cindy Lin, and Lyndsey Booker. #LehmannDay #SportsMedicine

Assistant Professor Hanna Hunter, MD, presents “Exercise in Oncology: Translating Evidence Into Clinical Practice.” Dr. Hunter’s work focuses on cancer rehabilitation and how movement and exercise can support patients during and after cancer treatment. #LehmannDay #CancerRehabilitation

Dr. Cindy Lin discusses an upcoming video on equestrian injuries aimed at first responders as well as the ExerciseRX digital health platform, which will consist of a patient facing app and provider dashboard in the electronic health records (EHR). Learn more at: https://ow.ly/Hi3g50YWlzW

Dr. Sara Christman speaks about Mental Strength Training, a program at The Sports Institute that provides evidence-based tools for coaches to support them in teaching their youth athletes positive coping strategies for good mental health. Learn more at https://ow.ly/Fvb950YWlyH

Dr. Stan Herring discusses the history of The Sports Institute. Dr. Herring notes that while The Sports Institute focuses on brain injury, remaining active is the best thing that you can do for your brain. To learn more about The Sports Institute, visit https://thesportsinstitute.com/