Amy Houtrow, Professor of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, School of Medicine, is the recipient of the Frank H. Krusen, MD Lifetime Achievement Award, one of the highest honors in the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation.
The American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R) established the award in 1972 to honor one of its founders, who was a leader in the development of the specialty. Recipients of this award are selected on the basis of their outstanding contributions to the field. Krusen, the academy's fourth president, was the first recipient of the award that bears his name.
Houtrow also is the vice chair for quality and the vice chair of pediatric rehabilitation medicine.
Her research has focused on health care access and outcomes for children and youth with disabilities with special emphasis on health equity. She has authored more than 160 manuscripts for high-impact medical journals, written and edited textbooks, developed training programs for physicians and other health care professionals, is an internationally respected expert in childhood disability and serves as a leader for numerous foundations and academic societies. Her work has repeatedly garnered national media attention and informed health policy. In 2018, she was elected to the National Academy of Medicine.
Houtrow knew from an early age that she wanted to work with kids with disabilities.
“I was born with a rare genetic condition and spent a lot of time in hospitals as a kid,” said Houtrow. “I had several surgeries, and I thought I might be an orthopedic surgeon. It turned out I hated being in the operating room.”
She eventually found her place within pediatrics and physical medicine and rehabilitation; a specialty focused on optimizing the health, function and the well-being and belonging of people with disabilities.
“Under Dr. Houtrow’s leadership, the pediatric rehabilitation division has grown immensely in both size and impact,” said Gwendolyn A. Sowa, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Professor, School of Medicine. “She’s overseen the development of novel multidisciplinary programs, innovative care pathways, integration into the medical school curriculum, fierce advocacy efforts, enhancements in physical spaces and growth of a diverse faculty and staff committed to excellence.”
One example is UPMC’s Spina Bifida Clinic, where Houtrow is medical director. The clinic offers a wide range of specialty care, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, neurosurgery, urology, orthopaedics and more. There is also a clinical social worker on staff, and the clinic offers a warm handoff to the Adult Spina Bifida Clinic as young people age out of the program.
“We want to give kids the opportunity to thrive by managing their medical problems and getting them the equipment and the support they need,” said Houtrow. “This is about developing autonomy instead of just focusing on independence. Self-direction is the goal.”
As a researcher, Houtrow has focused on developing channels to improve health service delivery. She has also informed the Social Security Administration’s disability programs through her role at the National Academy of Medicine and has served in executive leadership roles for both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the AAPM&R.
“Dr. Houtrow’s career embodies the very best of physiatry: compassionate, data-driven and unshakably committed to justice,” said Scott R. Laker, president of the AAPM&R. “Her contributions to pediatric rehabilitation, leadership in health equity and advocacy for children with disabilities have transformed countless lives and elevated our entire profession.”
--Liz Reid contributed reporting