Skip to main content

Welcome from the Department Chair

Welcome to the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Utah, School of Medicine. Founded in 1965, we are located in the beautiful and accessible foothills of Salt Lake City at the doorstep of the Wasatch Range. Our program enjoys a unique degree of integration in the entire collaborative community of this great Mountain West.  The University of Utah is bursting with opportunity and our program is at the heart of the excitement!  

     Our home for PM&R is the Craig H. Neilsen Rehabilitation Hospital, which opened in May 2020 and is located at the heart of the University of Utah Health Sciences Campus. With 75 smart -inpatient rooms, the new hospital offers an enriched, healing environment joined with the most advanced technologies and innovations to transform rehabilitation care for the mountain west and beyond. Our primary site for rehab services and training is at the University Hospital, ranked in the to 10 by Vizient in quality for the past decade (and #1 in 2020).  We also provide rehab services at the world class Huntsman Cancer Hospital, the University Orthopaedic Center, The Salt Lake Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and Intermountain Healthcare’s Primary Children’s Hospital.  All PM&R Residency training takes place within a 2 mile radius of the Craig H. Neilsen Rehabilitation Hospital.  

     I invite you to learn about our inspiring faculty, our nurturing, friendly culture, and our resources.  We are a community that spans the full range of PM&R with a particular emphasis on advancing research, discovery, innovation, learning, and clinical practice. Our programs are uniquely strong across the board including the rehab medicine specialties treating SCI, TBI, Stroke, and Limb Loss, but also Sports Medicine, Interventional Spine, Cancer Rehab, and Pediatrics.  Our TRAILS program offers the most amazing adaptive sports and recreation opportunities for our patients.  We offer fellowship training in SCI, Sports Medicine, Interventional Spine, and research.  Our research program is flourishing and well supported. Our PM&R residents thrive in this environment. We have three residents in the competitive RMSTP program and two getting their Masters of Clinical Science Investigation.

     While delivering a broad exposure to every facet of PM&R, we are just minutes away from world class mountain biking, hiking to pristine alpine lakes, and skiing on the best snow on earth.  Salt Lake City is a diverse, welcoming place driven by a strong economy, excellent schools, walkable neighborhoods, and a thriving cultural beat.  

     U of U PM&R is committed to offering the best training possible in a balanced program with ample resources and limitless opportunity.  We aim to develop great doctors and great people.  Check us out.  You’ll be inspired.  

Sincerely, 

David Steinberg, MD, MMM 
Chair, Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Executive Medical Director, Craig H. Nielsen Rehabilitation Hospital
Associate Professor, University of Utah School of Medicine