In The News

"US News & World Report" Ranks University of Washington #3 in the Nation for Rehabilitation Care

We are pleased to report that the University of Washington has been ranked #3 nationally for rehabilitation care in the most recent US News & World Report rankings. In addition, we remain the top-rated hospital-based rehabilitation program in the United States. Scoring is based on a national survey of physicians who are board-certified in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. This reputational ranking reflects well on our clinical programs throughout the UW Medicine system, including the Rehabilitation Medicine programs at University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle Children's, the Veteran's Administration Puget Sound Health Care System, and our Eastside Specialty Clinic. Further information about the "US News & World Report" rankings can be obtained at their website: http://www.usnews.com

Rehabilitation Medicine Physicians Featured in Emmy Award Nominated UWTV Program

April, 2009 - The Department of Rehabilitation Medicine's own Mark Harrast, MD; Marla Kaufman, MD; and Brian Krabak, MD were featured in a 2009 Emmy Award nominated UWTV program: "Regaining an Active Life," which shows how the UW Medicine Sports and Spine Physicians team helps patients regain their active lifestyles. Follow the link to view the UWTV press release.

Stuart Weinstein, MD is Editor in Chief of New Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Journal

January, 2009 - The Department of Rehabilitation Medicine's own Stuart Weinstein, MD is Editor-in-Chief of a newly launched medical journal. PM&R, The Journal of Injury, Function and Rehabilitation is a monthly, peer-reviewed, scholarly publication with a clinical focus. The journal presents a balance of topics matching the practice needs of members of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R), and other related medical disciplines, as well as a wider international readership. The “Purple Journal” (as it will be colloquially branded) is designed to advance education and impact the specialty of physical medicine and rehabilitation through the timely delivery of clinically relevant and evidence-based research and review information.

Greg Carter Appointed as First Senior Associate Editor of Muscle & Nerve Journal

January, 2009 - The Department of Rehabilitation Medicine's Greg Carter, MD, MS was appointed as the first Senior Associate Editor for the journal Muscle & Nerve. This newly created position is the highest position ever held by a physiatrist for the journal. Muscle & Nerve is a monthly international and interdisciplinary publication of original contributions, in both health and disease.

UW Department of Rehabilitation Patient is Focus of New Documentary

October, 2008 - The Northwest Regional Spinal Cord Injury System in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at the University of Washington has produced a seven-minute documentary video about Billy Price, a quadriplegic who sustained his spinal cord injury while a UW freshman. Billy received his medical care at Harborview and UW Medical Centers and continued his undergraduate education at the UW with the help of student disability accommodations. He is now living in Seattle and working full-time as an engineer. The video was created to help newly injured spinal cord injury patients realize that a full, satisfying life is still possible even after such a devastating injury. Please follow the link to view the documenary video.

UW Department of Rehabilitation Medicine Receives More Than $12 million in Research Funding

September, 2008 - The Department of Rehabilitation Medicine has received more than $12 million in grants to fund three innovative research and training initiatives:

1. Developing a Rehabilitation and Research Training Center (RRTC) devoted to addressing the specific challenges that affect people who are aging with physical disabilities, including spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, post-polio syndrome, and muscular dystrophy.
2. Conducting a comprehensive program of research through the Multiple Sclerosis Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (MSRRTC) on issues critical to individuals living with multiple sclerosis.
3. Funding the Center for Continuing Education in Rehabilitation (CCER), a regional Technical Assistance and Continuing Education Center (TACE) serving Alaska, Oregon, Washington, and Idaho vocational rehabilitation agencies and their partners, and funded through the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) of the U.S. Department of Education.

Center for Continuing Education in Rehabilitation Moves to the University of Washington's Department of Rehabilitation

August, 2008 - The Center for Continuing Education in Rehabilitation (CCER) is moving to the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at the University of Washington. CCER is dedicated to increasing access to employment, independent living, and civil rights for people with disabilities. The primary focus has been providing technical assistance and continuing education to rehabilitation professionals in Alaska, Oregon, Idaho, and Washington. CCER works closely with State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agencies and their partners such as Community Rehabilitation Programs, Centers for Independent Living, and State Rehabilitation Councils. CCER has also been involved in national projects involving American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation, Leadership Development, and Social Security/Ticket to Work. In 2006 CCER also became the Disability Business Technical Assistance Center (DBTAC) for the northwest region. Funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, the Center provides information and training on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to businesses, governments, schools, people with disabilities, and anyone else who needs information about the ADA.

Rehabilitation Physicians Provide Medical Expertise to the "4 Deserts" Races

July, 2008 - Brian Krabak, MD, Clinical Associate Professor, Marla Kaufman, MD, Clinical Assistant Professor and Allen Chen, MD, a Rehabilitation resident, traveled to Western China (around Kashgar) as part of the medical team for the 4 Deserts Race Series: Gobi March. The Gobi March is a seven day, 150 mile ultra-running race through some of the harshest terrains on earth. The race has attracted over 200 athletes from around the world. Dr. Krabak has been the Medical Director since 2004. To follow the race and send emails, please visit the 4 Deserts race series website.

King 5 News Features Dr. Brian Krabak

June, 2008 - Brian Krabak, MD, a Clinical Associate Professor in the University of Washington's Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, was recently featured in a King 5 News segment on "Preventing overuse injuries in student athletes." Please click to watch the clip.

King 5 News Features Dr. Haselkorn

May, 2008 - Jodie Haselkorn, MD, an Associate Professor in the University of Washington's Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, was recently featured in a King 5 News segment on robot assisted therapy at the Veteran's Administration Puget Sound Healthcare System (VAPSHS). The VAPSHS is currently conducting a study to compare robot-assisted therapy with conventional rehabilitation in veterans with moderate to severe arm or hand weakness resulting from a stroke. Follow the link for more information on this study.