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Gwendolyn Sowa, MD, Physical Medicine/Rehab, Pittsburgh, PA, UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside

GwendolynAnnSowaMDPhD

Physical Medicine/Rehab • Pittsburgh, PA

Professor and Chair, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University Pittsburgh Medical Center

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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 University
    McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern UniversityResidency, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 2001 - 2004
  • Aurora Health Care
    Aurora Health CareInternship, Transitional Year, 2000 - 2001
  • University of Wisconsin School of Medicine & Public Health
    University of Wisconsin School of Medicine & Public HealthClass of 2000, M.D.
  • University of Wisconsin
    University of WisconsinPh.D., Biochemistry, 1993 - 1997

Certifications & Licensure

  • PA State Medical License
    PA State Medical License 2005 - 2024
  • OH State Medical License
    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

Publications & Presentations

PubMed

Journal Articles

  • Risk Factors Associated with Transition from Acute to Chronic Low Back Pain in US Patients Seeking Primary Care  
    Michael J Schneider, Gwendolyn A Sowa, Gerard P Brennan, Robert B Saper, JAMA Network Open

Press Mentions

  • Enhancing Rehabilitation Medicine
    Enhancing Rehabilitation MedicineApril 28th, 2023
  • How UPMC Mercy Pavilion Plans to Treat Numerous Vision-Related Conditions
    How UPMC Mercy Pavilion Plans to Treat Numerous Vision-Related ConditionsApril 20th, 2023
  • UPMC Mercy Pavilion: 8 Eye Operating Rooms, 83 Exam Rooms, 10 Rehab Rooms, Massive Research Space — and 1 Cool Coffee Shop
    UPMC Mercy Pavilion: 8 Eye Operating Rooms, 83 Exam Rooms, 10 Rehab Rooms, Massive Research Space — and 1 Cool Coffee ShopApril 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

Hospital Affiliations

Dr. Gwendolyn Sowa, Dr. Gwendolyn Sowa, MD, Dr. G Sowa, Dr. Gwendolyn Ann Sowa