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 woman speaks at a podium in front of a crowd, beside a slide that talks about Dr. Justus F. Lehmann.

40th-annual Justus F. Lehmann symposium highlights

The 40th-Annual Justus F. Lehmann Symposium took place on May 7, focusing on: Sports and Exercise as Medicine.
Fencers in wheelchairs spar in a gym.

SCI wellness summit brings community together for adaptive recreation and creativity

The 2026 SCI wellness summit together people with spinal cord injury, family members, caregivers, clinicians, and community partners for a day of learning, connection, and hands-on activities.
A fluffy husky sitting on a W sculpture and wearing a graduation cap gets a treat from a woman in a purple tshirt.

Class of 2026 DPT Capstone Symposium

Join us for the Class of 2026 Doctor of Physical Therapy Capstone Symposium on June 11.