UPMC pediatric physiatrist Amy Houtrow, M.D., MPH, Ph.D., is the winner of the 2025 Frank H. Krusen, M.D., Lifetime Achievement Award, the highest honor given by the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R). The recipient is selected on the basis of their extraordinary contributions to the specialty.
Dr. Houtrow joined UPMC and the University of Pittsburgh in 2012, bringing with her a unique mix of clinical experience, formal education and personal insight that has propelled her to the top of her field. She is the vice chair of quality and outcomes in the department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and founding chief of the division of pediatric rehabilitation at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.
Dr. Houtrow with her parents at her white coat ceremony.
Dr. Houtrow said she 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 Dr. 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 Sowa, M.D., Ph.D., director of the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute and chair of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Pitt. “She’s overseen the development 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.”
Staff and clinicians on the pediatric rehabilitation unit at UPMC Children’s dress up for Halloween.
One unique example is UPMC’s clinic for pediatric patients with spina bifida and related disorders, where Dr. 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 supports they need,” said Dr. Houtrow. “This is about developing autonomy instead of just focusing on independence. Self-direction is the goal.”
As a researcher, Dr. 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, M.D., 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.”
Dr. Houtrow’s favorite age group to work with? Preschoolers.
“They’re delightfully silly and a joy to be around,” said Dr. Houtrow. “They are curious and thoughtful and, of course, incredibly playful.”
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