Duke Orthopaedics recently welcomed Dr. Megan Kennelly, MD, associate professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and certified pediatric rehabilitation medicine (PRM) physician, to be a part of a growing clinic dedicated to improving children’s mobility and quality of life. PRM is a specialized subspecialty focused on evidence-based interventions for congenital and acquired conditions—such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, and brain or spinal cord injuries.
Kennelly emphasizes early intervention—leveraging neuroplasticity in young brains to enhance outcomes—while coordinating multidisciplinary care with orthopaedics, neurology, neurosurgery, therapists, bracing experts, and medication management. PRM physicians act as clinical “quarterbacks,” aligning therapeutic modalities, equipment, and supportive procedures, and guiding families through each stage of childhood development—from diagnosis through school transitions.
One of fewer than 400 PRM-certified doctors in the U.S. and among fewer than 10 in North Carolina, Kennelly also serves as a resource for pediatricians, offering case consultations and coordinated referral support, so families receive the proper care without losing focus on everyday life.