April is Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month, a time dedicated to educating the public and promoting understanding of the challenges faced by individuals living with limb loss or congenital limb differences while celebrating their resilience and achievements. By sharing stories, supporting research, and raising public consciousness, we can inspire greater access to healthcare resources, promote inclusion in all aspects of life, and help empower individuals to live full and active lives. Further, this month offers an opportunity to advocate for improved policies, funding for medical research, and better educational opportunities for those affected.

To mark this month, we are proud to shine a light on our Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation team and their work advancing care for individuals with limb loss and limb differences. Their comprehensive approach includes specialized clinics providing expert care in prosthetics, rehabilitation, and psychological support. Our team’s multidisciplinary approach includes medical experts, social workers, and support groups, ensuring a holistic approach to patient care. They work collaboratively with their patients and are dedicated to helping them regain independence and improve their quality of life.

Ultimately, with the proper support, education, and resources, individuals with limb loss and limb differences can lead successful, fulfilling lives – and with greater understanding and awareness, society as a whole can move towards a more inclusive and compassionate future.

Ashley Mohan, DO, joined the Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health as an Assistant Professor (CHS) on September 1, 2022. Dr. Mohan earned her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine and completed a one-year fellowship in Osteopathic Manual Medicine at Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Iowa. She went on to complete her internship year at Indiana University and her three-year residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at UW-Madison.

Dr. Mohan knew early on that she wanted to pursue rehabilitation medicine. Having grown up playing soccer and running on her high school varsity cross country and track teams, she experienced “almost every injury in the legs that you can imagine.” Not surprising, she did a significant amount of rehab under the care of an osteopathic physician. Over time, she grew fascinated by her treatment and found herself wanting to “learn the hands-on, manual therapy,” as she gained a better understanding of “how people can not only rehab injuries, but how they can prevent injuries from happening as well.”

A West Coast native from Lodi, CA (an hour south of Sacramento), Dr. Mohan “fell in love with Madison” when she and her husband moved here for her residency. She credits the supportive faculty at UW and the flexibility to pursue her specific areas of interest, including teaching, as major factors in her decision to stay in Madison.

Clinically, Dr. Mohan’s primary focus is neurological rehabilitation, including the treatment of strokes, spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, amputations, adult cerebral palsy patients, and multiple sclerosis. She also performs Botox injections for spasticity, nerve conduction studies and EMGs to test for peripheral nerve injuries, and she manages intrathecal baclofen pumps. In addition, Dr. Mohan consults at the main hospital for acute injuries and new amputations, helping to manage rehab diagnoses and ensure that patients have the appropriate follow-up and care as needed.

Dr. Mohan’s research focus is tied directly to the osteopathic manual therapy she provides in clinic. Because there is a significant lack of research in this area – and because she has seen how well OMT works for her patients – she has initiated a project that examines using osteopathic manual therapy in stroke patients.

Ultimately, Dr. Mohan’s strives to help her patients regain as much function as they can and adapt to a new way of life.

“Rehab medicine is unique for many reasons but what really motivates me to do this work is the ability to connect with patients on a deeper level and truly understand where they came from, how they are doing now, and where they hope to be.”

Welcome to the team, Dr. Mohan – we are so glad you are staying in Madison!

November 21, 2022