Parenthood and Physiatry: The Unasked Questions and Untold Truths

Saturday, February 21, 2026

10:15 AM - 11:15 AM AST

Location: 202 BC

Course Director(s)

Sharon Bushi, MD

Rehab Physician
Burke Rehabilitation Hospital
Lydia R. Smeltz, MD

Resident
UPMC

Speaker(s)

Gwendolyn A. Sowa, MD, PhD

Professor and Chair
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, UPMC
Jessica Hupe, MD

Associate Professor, Residency Program Director
VCU PM&R/ Sheltering Arms Institute
Erika L. Trovato, DO, MS (she/her/hers)

Chief Quality Officer, Associate Chief Medical Officer, Brain Injury Medicine Attending Physician
Burke Rehabilitation Hospital
Stephanie Rand, DO

Residency Program Director
Montefiore Einstein
Kristen DeVries, DO, MS

Director of Cancer Rehabilitation, Assistant Professor
Weill Cornell Medicine/New York Presbyterian Hospital

Brief Session Description : Join a session that addresses the subject of parenthood in physiatry. A national survey-based results of the experiences of physical medicine and rehabilitation residents and fellows consider when having or planning for children will be presented. Then, a diverse physiatrist-parent panel will share personal experiences of parenthood. During the narrative storytelling, attendees may anonymously share their reflections. Panelists will answer questions related to family planning, decision-making, identifying resources, and workplace culture. Lastly, attendees will have the opportunity to anonymously ask the panelists questions. The session will end with resources for personal and systemic support.