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Final Program


Final Program

Colin K. Franz, MD, PhD, FAAPMR

Associate Professor
Northwestern University and Shirley Ryan AbilityLab

Dr. Colin K. Franz, MD, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Departments of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Neurology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and an attending physician at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. He is board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Neuromuscular Medicine, and Electrodiagnostic Medicine, with additional certification in neuromuscular ultrasound.

Dr. Franz leads a translational research program focused on restoring nerve, muscle, and respiratory function after injury or disease. His work integrates human stem cell–derived neural and neuromuscular organoid models, bioelectronic and bioresorbable stimulation technologies, electrodiagnostic medicine, and clinical rehabilitation science to develop precision strategies for neuromuscular recovery. His research is supported by active federal, foundation, and philanthropic funding, including an NIH R01 investigating wireless, resorbable implants to accelerate diaphragm reinnervation after phrenic nerve injury; an NIH STTR award supporting development of the Organoid-CRADLE platform; a Falk Medical Trust Catalyst Award focused on enhancing nerve transfer surgery with axonal fusion technology; and an American Neuromuscular Foundation Mid-Career Award examining gene–treatment interactions in therapeutic electrical stimulation.

Clinically, Dr. Franz serves as Medical Director of the Electrodiagnostic Laboratory at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab and is a founding leader of the Northwestern Medicine Diaphragm Muscle Program and the Collaborative Clinic for Ability Restoration and Excellence in Nerve Injury Care (C-CARE). His clinical expertise includes complex peripheral nerve injuries, diaphragm and phrenic nerve dysfunction, neuromuscular respiratory weakness, and ultrasound- and electrodiagnostic-guided precision decision-making.

Dr. Franz has authored over 70 peer-reviewed publications in journals including Science, Nature Communications, PNAS, Muscle & Nerve, and Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation. He serves on the Editorial Board of Muscle & Nerve and holds national leadership roles within the American Neuromuscular Foundation and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

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