On Thursday, May 7, 2026, the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at UW Medicine welcomed more than 300 attendees to the 40th-annual Justus F. Lehmann Symposium, including about 250 participants in person and 50 joining virtually.
This annual event honors Justus F. Lehmann, MD, who founded the department in 1957. This year’s theme was “Sports & Exercise as Medicine,” and brought together experts in rehabilitation medicine, sports medicine, physical therapy, and research to explore how movement and exercise support health, recovery, and performance.
Department Chair Janna Friedly, MD, opened the symposium with reflections on Dr. Lehmann’s legacy and the department’s continued commitment to patient care, education, and research.
Advancing exercise and rehabilitation science
Throughout the day, speakers and panelists shared emerging evidence and practical approaches to integrating exercise into clinical care.
Associate Professor Mary Beth Brown, PT, PhD, presented on building an evidence base for exercise in rare disease. Assistant Professor Hanna Hunter, MD, discussed how exercise can support patients during and after cancer treatment. Professor Carolynn Patten, PhD, PT, shared new work on markerless motion capture and its potential clinical applications.
A keynote address by Jonathan Finnoff, DO, chief medical officer for the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee, drew a full audience and offered insights into athlete care and lessons from supporting Team USA.
Panel discussions connected research to real-world practice. Sessions explored sports and exercise science, mentorship, and emerging topics in sports medicine. Leadership from The Sports Institute highlighted its history and future, with speakers emphasizing the role of physical activity in brain health, injury prevention, mental health, and community wellness.
The symposium also showcased the work of trainees and early-career researchers through a poster session and research presentations supported by the Walter C. and Anita C. Stolov Research Fund Award and the Richard H. Adler, JD and the Adler Giersch Law Firm Endowed Fund for Traumatic Brain Injury Research, Traumatic Brain Injury Clinical Care Research, and Traumatic Brain Injury Policy Research Award.
Recognizing excellence
The symposium included recognition of faculty, staff, and trainees whose work strengthens rehabilitation medicine:
- The Kathryn M. Yorkston, PhD: Award for Excellence in Student/Trainee Mentorship was presented to Associate Professor Sujata Pradhan, PT, PhD.
- The Teresa L. Massagli, MD: Award for Excellence in Mentorship was presented to Professor Jelena N. Svircev, MD.
- The Joseph M. Czerniecki, MD: Award for Excellence in Clinician-Scientist Mentorship was presented to Professor David Morgenroth, MD.
- The Department of Rehabilitation Medicine Outstanding Community Engagement and Impact Award was presented to Associate Professor Patricia N. Matsuda, PT, DPT, PhD.
- The Excellence in Departmental Impact Award: Early Career was presented to Assistant Professor Cody L. McDonald, PhD, MPH, CPO.
- The Excellence in Departmental Impact Award was presented to Associate Professor Nassim Rad, MD.
- Nova Rivera, Andreas Keodara, and Vicky Corrin were nominated for the University of Washington Distinguished Staff Award, which recognizes staff whose work advances patient care, education, research, and community support.
Organized by a collaborative team
The symposium was led by co-chairs Clinical Professor Cindy Lin, MD, and Associate Professor Aaron Bunnell, MD, with committee members Associate Professor Cristine Agresta, PhD; Assistant Professor of Clinical Practice Eric Chen, MD; Assistant Professor Tracy Herring; and Micah Sommer, MD, physical medicine and rehabilitation resident. Their planning and coordination helped bring together a broad and engaged audience for a full day of learning and discussion.
Thank you to our community
Thank you to all of our speakers, panelists, award recipients, trainees, volunteers, organizing committee members, and guests who joined us for a day of collaboration, learning, and discussion. Your contributions help advance rehabilitation medicine and improve care for patients and communities.
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In photos:
- Our speakers answered questions from the crowd.
- Drs. Stan Herring, Cindy Lin, and Sara Chrisman of The Sports Institute at UW Medicine stand with Dr. Jonathan Finnoff, the keynote speaker.
- The capacity crowd clap for a speaker.