Saturday, March 14, 2026 • UW HUB Ballroom
The 2026 TBI Symposium brought together researchers, clinicians, and students for a full day focused on translating evidence into impact through implementation science. Despite Seattle’s first and only snowfall of the season, along with significant traffic delays, attendees arrived ready to learn, connect, and share ideas.
The day opened with an overview of implementation science presented by Associate Professor Arianna Means, MPH, PhD. Dr. Means highlighted key concepts in implementation research and described approaches for improving the delivery of evidence-based interventions in diverse settings.
Risa Nakase-Richardson, PhD, FACRM, FNAN, followed with a session on integrating implementation science into traumatic brain injury research. Dr. Richardson shared lessons learned from more than two decades of work in neurorehabilitation, including efforts to improve the quality of care for people with TBI-related disability.
After a short break, Professor Kenneth Sherr, PhD, MPH, provided an overview of a multi-component implementation strategy known as the Systems Analysis and Improvement Approach. He also highlighted tools and training resources that support implementation research at the University of Washington.
The afternoon featured a panel discussion on implementation science in practice. Presenters included Joanna Blount, OTR/L; Jamie Ott, DO; and Jessica Chen, PhD. Panelists shared examples from clinical care, behavioral health, and brain injury rehabilitation, followed by a group discussion with attendees.
To close the symposium, Janna Friedly, MD, MPH, Professor and Chair of the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, spoke about implementation science and the learning health system. Dr. Friedly described how continuous improvement cycles can advance evidence-based rehabilitation practice and strengthen patient outcomes.
Thank you to all speakers, panelists, and attendees for contributing to a meaningful day of learning and collaboration—and for braving the unexpected March snow to join us. Let’s continue the work of translating evidence into real-world impact for people with traumatic brain injury.
In photos, from left to right:
- Arianna Means, PhD, opening the symposium.
- Janna Friedly, MD, MPH, speaks to the crowd.
- Risa Nakase-Richarson, PhD, addresses the group.
For more photos of this and other events, follow us on Instagram at @UWRehabMed. To be notified of the next TBI Symposium and other department events, join our mailing list.