The University of Utah Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Craig H. Neilsen Rehabilitation Hospital are pleased to recognize faculty members and trainees for their accomplishments during Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26), which earned national recognition across clinical care, research, education, and professional service. These honors reflect a year of meaningful contributions across neurorehabilitation, spine and musculoskeletal medicine, sports medicine, psychology, and medical education.
From prestigious awards and elected leadership positions to research honors and educational excellence, these achievements demonstrate the department's continued commitment to innovation, scholarship, mentorship, and excellence in patient care.
Several faculty members were recognized by national organizations for their leadership and contributions to their respective specialties.
Dr. Dan Cushman received multiple national honors, including recognition as an AAPM&R Innovators & Influencers Honoree, which celebrates early- and mid-career physiatrists making significant impacts within the specialty. He was also named an Early Career Academician by the Association of Academic Physiatrists, achieved Fellow status with the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM), and was elected to the AMSSM Board of Directors. In addition, he was appointed Chair of the organization's Research Committee and served as Program Planning Committee Chair for the 2026 AMSSM Annual Meeting. Dr. Cushman was also recognized as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor.
Dr. Zachary McCormick was elected President-Elect of the Interventional Pain and Spine Intervention Society (IPSIS), a leading international organization dedicated to advancing interventional pain medicine. He will assume the role of President in September 2026.
Dr. Alexandra Flis serves as the elected President of the University of Utah Medical Board. This appointment includes credentialing, practice oversight and professionalism for physicians and advanced practice providers across the healthcare system. In addition, Dr. Flis received the Emerging Leader Award from Drexel University College of Medicine, which recognizes early-career physicians who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, service, and commitment to advancing their profession and communities.
Dr. Meredith Ehn was honored with the Doc Sosman Award from U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Ski & Snowboard for her outstanding contributions to athlete health and medical care.
Dr. Hank Shipman received the Mark Scott Resident of the Year Award, which recognizes a resident who exemplifies excellence in clinical knowledge, communication skills, humanistic values, and promotion of the specialty to others in the University and general community.
Faculty researchers continued to earn recognition for advancing knowledge and improving care through innovative scholarship.
Dr. Larissa McGarrity was named a finalist nominee for the Distinguished Behavioral Health Provider Award through the LEAD Awards, presented by the TREO Foundation and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). The award recognizes clinicians, researchers, and advocates who have made significant contributions to the field of metabolic and bariatric surgery.
Dr. Hannah Farnsworth earned Second Place in the Integrated Health Top Oral Research Award competition at the ASMBS Annual Conference. The distinction is awarded to one of the conference's highest-rated multidisciplinary research presentations.
Dr. Akbar Nabi received the James R. Swenson Scientific Symposium Best Poster Presentation Award in recognition of a strong research poster presentation.
Dr. Flynn McGuire received the 2026 Resident Research Award, selected by faculty and peers, in recognition of outstanding scholarly achievement, including strong engagement and ownership of research projects, as well as high-quality presentations.
Education remains a cornerstone of the department's mission, and several faculty members were recognized for their dedication to teaching and mentoring future rehabilitation professionals.
Dr. Pam Hansen received the 2026 Association of Academic Physiatrists Outstanding Mentor Award. The national honor recognizes academic physiatrists who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to mentoring and supporting the professional growth of trainees and junior faculty.
Dr. Nicholas Gavern was selected by residents as the department's Teacher of the Year, recognizing his outstanding contributions to resident education and commitment to learner success.
Dr. Masa Teramoto received the PM&R Faculty Recognition Award from the department's residency program for his unwavering support, mentorship, and dedication to resident development.
The expertise of PM&R faculty continues to be recognized in unique environments that extend beyond traditional healthcare settings.
Dr. Jacob George was invited to participate in the Special Operations Forces Arctic Medicine Course hosted by the U.S. Special Operations Command. The elite multinational training event prepares military medical teams to provide life-saving trauma care and casualty evacuation in extreme Arctic conditions.
The department also celebrated recognition earned by emerging leaders in the field.
Dr. Kory Ford received the South Bend Scholarship from the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine. The competitive scholarship supports trainees who have demonstrated a strong commitment to pursuing careers in sports medicine.
These accomplishments reflect the remarkable expertise, leadership, and dedication of PM&R faculty and trainees. Through their work in research, education, clinical care, and national service, they continue to strengthen the department's reputation as a leader in academic rehabilitation medicine while improving the lives of patients and communities throughout Utah and beyond.