Michael L. Boninger, M.D.

New York University (NYU) Langone Health’s Rusk Rehabilitation hosted its fourth annual research symposium recently featuring several renowned speakers, including McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine affiliated faculty member Michael Boninger, MD, Professor and UPMC Endowed Vice Chair for Research in the Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Boninger, a leader in shaping rehabilitation medicine’s role in the changing world of healthcare, is this year’s recipient of the Rusk Award for Leadership and Innovation in PM&R. Dr. Boninger received this award for his contributions for individuals with disabilities through the development of assistive, rehabilitative, and regenerative technologies… Continue reading.

PITTSBURGH, May 19, 2016 – Michael Boninger, M.D., has been named UPMC’s vice president for medical affairs for Community Provider Services. Currently, Dr. Boninger serves as director of the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute and professor and chair of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) in the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. In his expanded role, Dr. Boninger will provide medical leadership and coordination for initiatives in post-acute and community-based services across the entire UPMC health system continuum.

UPMC Community Provider Services includes extensive operations in home health services, community-based rehabilitation therapies, post-acute skilled nursing, senior living, and non-hospital-based pharmacy programs among others. UPMC Community Provider Services subsidiaries include the largest home health agency and the largest physical and occupational therapy provider in western Pennsylvania. Dr. Boninger will assume his new role with UPMC on July 1.

“I believe part of the U.S. health care transformation will be expansion of the scope and importance of team-based care, and the leveraging of services in the home and community settings. UPMC has great strength in this area and I’m excited to join the amazing team working on innovative ways to keep people healthy in the community,” said Dr. Boninger.

Chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg bestowed his 2014 Affirmative Action Award to two University programs: The Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and the Career Education and Enhancement for Health Care Research Diversity Program (CEED). The chancellor commended the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation for its efforts to improve the lives of patients with mobility issues and for its commitment to inclusiveness in its faculty and staff. Above, Amy Houtrow and Michael Boninger accepted for the department. The chancellor cited CEED’s efforts in encouraging members of under-represented groups to pursue careers in academia and research by providing fellows, post-doctoral associates, junior faculty, and medical students with mentoring, networking, and other skills. Quinten Brown, left, and Kaleab Abebe accepted for CEED. The chancellor also presented the $2,500 award to both programs during the June 11 University Senate Council meeting. The annual award is normally presented to one University program or individual who has made a significant contribution to the University’s affirmative action efforts. But Nordenberg said two programs were chosen this year because he “wholeheartedly agreed” with the selection committee’s assessment that both programs were deserving.