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Office
3471 5th Ave
Ste 1103
Pittsburgh, PA 15213Phone+1 412-648-6848Fax+1 412-692-4410
Summary
- I am a board certified physiatrist and Chair, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at UPMC. My current research interests include the biology of intervertebral disc degeneration and methods of treatment, including motion based therapies, and investigations into the inflammatory pathways and mechanobiology of musculoskeletal tissues. Additionally, I'm also interested in the examination of the utility of serum biomarkers as markers of disease activity and mechanism in patients with degenerative diseases.
Education & Training
- McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern UniversityResidency, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 2001 - 2004
- Aurora Health CareInternship, Transitional Year, 2000 - 2001
- University of Wisconsin School of Medicine & Public HealthClass of 2000, M.D.
- University of WisconsinPh.D., Biochemistry, 1993 - 1997
Certifications & Licensure
- PA State Medical License 2005 - 2024
- OH State Medical License 2004 - 2006
- American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Awards, Honors, & Recognition
- Regional Top Doctor Castle Connolly, 2014
- CMS Meaningful Use Stage 1 Certification EpicCare Ambulatory EMR, Epic Systems Corporation, 2011
Clinical Trials
- Effects of Metformin on Low Back Pain Start of enrollment: 2020 Jan 07
Publications & Presentations
PubMed
- 260 citationsMolecular mechanisms of biological aging in intervertebral discsNam Vo, Robert A. Hartman, Prashanti Patil, Makarand V. Risbud, Dimitris Kletsas
Journal of Orthopaedic Research. 2016-02-17 - 96 citationsp38 MAPK inhibition in nucleus pulposus cells: a potential target for treating intervertebral disc degeneration.Rebecca K. Studer, Alex M. Aboka, Lars G. Gilbertson, Helga I. Georgescu, Gwendolyn Sowa
Spine. 2007-12-01 - 81 citationsp38 MAPK inhibition modulates rabbit nucleus pulposus cell response to IL-1.Rebecca K. Studer, Lars G. Gilbertson, Helga I. Georgescu, Gwendolyn Sowa, Nam Vo
Journal of Orthopaedic Research. 2008-07-01
Journal Articles
- Risk Factors Associated with Transition from Acute to Chronic Low Back Pain in US Patients Seeking Primary CareMichael J Schneider, Gwendolyn A Sowa, Gerard P Brennan, Robert B Saper, JAMA Network Open
Press Mentions
- Enhancing Rehabilitation MedicineApril 28th, 2023
- How UPMC Mercy Pavilion Plans to Treat Numerous Vision-Related ConditionsApril 20th, 2023
- These Doctors Will Lead Convergence of Eye Care and Rehab at UPMC Mercy PavilionApril 19th, 2023
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Grant Support
- Alternative Treatments For DISC Degeneration: Effects On Matrix HomeostasisNational Center For Complementary &Alternative Medicine2009–2012
- Investigation Into The Mechanism Of Symptom Relief With Forward Flexion In OlderNational Institute On Aging2009
- Interaction Of Mechanical And Inflammatory Signals In DISC Matrix PreservationNational Institute Of Arthritis And Musculoskeletal And Skin Diseases2008–2009
Professional Memberships
- Member
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