About
The Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at the University of Minnesota Medical School boasts a legacy of over 7 decades dedicated to exceptional patient care, education, and groundbreaking rehabilitation research.
Our department is expanding and comprises three divisions: Adult Neuropsychology, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R), and Research & Innovation. We are proud to have 53 faculty members (including 28 at affiliate sites), 10 adjunct faculty, 11 staff members, 2 neuropsychology practicum students, 2 neuropsychology postdoctoral fellows, 19 PM&R residents, 4 PM&R Pain Medicine fellows, and 1 emeritus faculty member.
We are leaders in education, clinical care, and research, with a strong commitment to excellence across all areas.
PHYSICAL MEDICINE & REHABILITATION
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, or Physiatry, is a medical specialty that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and rehabilitation of individuals affected by disease, disorder, or injury. What sets physiatry apart is its holistic approach to patient care, emphasizing the restoration of function and quality of life. Our providers are board-certified in PM&R, with many holding additional certifications in Brain Injury Medicine, Electrodiagnostic Medicine, Pain Medicine, Spinal Cord Injury, and Sports Medicine.
We offer both inpatient and outpatient services throughout the Twin Cities and manage referrals from cities throughout Minnesota, and neighboring states. Our team also manages the M Health Fairview Acute Rehabilitation Center (ARC), accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). Recognized by Newsweek Magazine, the ARC was ranked as the #1 ARC facility in the Midwest in 2022 and 2024, and #2 in 2023.
NEUROPSYCHOLOGY
Neuropsychology examines the brain and applies the science of its structure and function to address a variety of complex conditions, both physical and emotional thought-based processes. Our providers are licensed psychologists with fellowship training and board certification in neuropsychology, with a 60-year history at the University of Minnesota.
We provide inpatient and outpatient care in Adult Neuropsychology, Rehabilitation Neuropsychology, and Rehabilitation Psychology across the Twin Cities. Our adult neuropsychologists are critical to the system’s surgical transplant teams, providing neuropsychological and psychological evaluations that are essential for candidates being considered for these procedures. Our patients include adults with known or suspected brain disorders, including developmental conditions, acquired brain disorders, movement disorders, brain tumors, head trauma, stroke, cerebrovascular malformations, epilepsy, post-COVID-19 and other infectious diseases, neuropsychiatric disorders, and various neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease We have a neuropsychologist embedded within the ARC who provides rehabilitation neuropsychological services, as well as rehabilitation psychology services.
RESEARCH & INNOVATION
The Division of Research and Innovation specializes in research surrounding spinal cord injury, spinal cord injury psychosocial outcomes and wellbeing, rehabilitation psychology, regenerative medicine, cardiovascular disease modeling, and maladaptive neuroplastic mechanisms within the sensorimotor system. Our researchers are supported by various external mechanisms, including the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR), the Department of Defense, the Paralyzed Veterans of America, and the Department of Defense.
The department is home to the inaugural Minnesota Regional Spinal Cord Injury Model System (MN SCIMS). Funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR), the goal of a Spinal Cord Injury Model System (SCIMS) is to support innovative projects and research in the delivery, demonstration, and evaluation of medical, rehabilitation, vocational, and other services to meet the needs of individuals with SCI. As one of 18 funded SCIMS across the United States, the MN SCIMS is a partnership between Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute, Mayo Clinic, Regions Hospital, and the University of Minnesota. Our system collectively provides a multidisciplinary continuum of care for people with SCI, including emergency medical, acute care, acute rehabilitation, and post-acute services. These services benefit communities in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, and Wisconsin.