The University of Washington’s Department of Rehabilitation Medicine is proud to announce that Soshi Samejima, DPT, PhD, has been appointed as the inaugural holder of the Mission Yogurt Term Professorship in Rehabilitation Medicine. This professorship, established in 2023 through a generous donation from Mission Yogurt, Inc., aims to support innovative research and enhance faculty recruitment and retention within the department.
Dr. Samejima, who joined UW as an assistant professor in September 2023, has been recognized for his exceptional potential in the field of spinal cord injury (SCI) medicine. His research focuses on improving the quality of life for individuals with SCI through neuromodulation techniques that enhance limb function and stabilize cardiovascular health. Additionally, his work addresses critical issues such as bladder, bowel, and sexual function, which are top priorities for those living with SCI.
Dr. Samejima’s extensive clinical background as a physical therapist, coupled with his impressive research achievements, has already led to significant contributions to the field. He has published numerous peer-reviewed articles, delivered presentations at national and international conferences, and secured multiple grants to support his research endeavors. In addition, he has proven to be an outstanding teacher and mentor who has already recruited several Doctor of Physical Therapy and engineering undergraduate students to his lab.
The Mission Yogurt Term Professorship will provide Dr. Samejima with crucial resources to further develop his multidisciplinary research program, positioning him to become a leading figure in SCI research globally. Dr. Samejima’s dedication to teaching and mentoring the next generation of clinicians and researchers further underscores his qualifications for this position.
The support of this professorship has already earned dividends. This funding was instrumental in Dr. Samejima securing an additional grant of $399,000 from the Craig H Neilsen Foundation to support his research.
The University of Washington is grateful to Mission Yogurt, Inc. for their support in advancing rehabilitation medicine.