A nurse holds a patient's hand on the Inpatient Rehabilitation unit at Harborview Medical Center.

About the department

The UW Department of Rehabilitation was founded in 1957 by Justus F. Lehmann. Since then, our dedicated faculty and staff have provided the highest quality patient care, education and research in physical medicine and rehabilitation.

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Training for a new generation of physicians and scientists

We offer 18 student and training opportunities, including our PhD in Rehabilitation Science, accepting applications now until January 15, 2026.

A woman walks across a lab wearing braces on both legs, from foot to calf.

Furthering rehabilitation medicine through research expertise

Research drives innovation and is integral to our departmental mission. Learn more about our research focus areas 

A close up of hands, with nerves highlighted with a glowing red.

Review examines what works, and what needs more study, in nerve injury rehabilitation

The authors found promising applications for pain management and motor relearning but noted a need for stronger clinical evidence.
A man with lower leg burns stands on the edge of blue water.

Study explores mental and social recovery after major burn injuries

A new study in the Journal of Burn Care & Research found that people recovering from major burn injuries can make meaningful gains in mental health and social participation during the first two years after injury, regardless of burn severity.
A student tries to pick up blocks with a prosthetic arm.

UDOC visits P&O Program

Master of Prosthetics and Orthotics students demonstrated what they are learning to visiting students exploring careers.