Duke Orthopaedics and Duke Neurosurgery are proud to announce the appointment of Jeffery S. Johns, MD, as the first chief of the newly established Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R), effective March 23, 2026.
A graduate of the Duke University School of Medicine, Johns returns to Duke with a national reputation as a leader in spinal cord injury medicine, neurorehabilitation, and interdisciplinary care innovation. He currently serves as vice chair of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and as the executive medical director of the Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine Patient Care Center at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he has spearheaded transformative initiatives in post-acute care, quality improvement, and disability-competent medical education.
Johns is board-certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Spinal Cord Injury Medicine. He has held numerous leadership roles, including serving as president of the Academy of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals and as chair of the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. His scholarly work encompasses over 100 invited lectures, peer-reviewed publications, and national presentations, with a focus on neurogenic bowel and bladder dysfunction, trauma rehabilitation, and health policy in rehabilitation settings.
The creation of the Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation underscores a key partnership between Duke Orthopaedics and Duke Neurosurgery, highlighting a shared commitment to comprehensive, patient-centered care that focuses on function, recovery, and quality of life.
“It’s a privilege to return to Duke and help build a division that reflects the best of collaborative care,” said Johns. “Physiatry sits at the intersection of orthopaedics and neurosurgery, and together we will create a model that advances recovery and reintegration for every patient.”
“Dr. Johns brings unparalleled expertise and vision to this new division,” said Ben Alman, MD, chair of Duke Orthopaedics. “His leadership will help us deliver more integrated care and expand our impact across the region.”
“This division represents the future of rehabilitation medicine,” said Gerald Grant, MD, chair of Duke Neurosurgery. “We’re proud to welcome Dr. Johns and build a system where rehabilitation is seamlessly woven into every stage of care.”