Carrie Pilarski

Carrie Pilarski serves as a Clinical Associate Professor within the Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at the University of Michigan Medical School in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Her clinical and academic work focuses on rehabilitation medicine with specialized expertise in disability management and spinal cord injury rehabilitation. She maintains an active research program while contributing to the educational mission of the medical school and is explicitly available for mentoring activities.

Dr. Pilarski's research program centers on rehabilitation psychology, with critical investigations into self-management of chronic disabilities, healthcare engagement barriers for spinal cord injury patients, and systemic ableism in medical settings. Her work examines psychological and health correlates influencing patient outcomes while developing innovative assessment methodologies like hands-free cognitive batteries. This research bridges clinical rehabilitation practice with psychological science to address health disparities and improve patient-centered care for vulnerable populations.

Analysis of her recent publications reveals a consistent interdisciplinary approach spanning rehabilitation psychology, disability studies, and neuropsychology. Her work demonstrates strong emphasis on patient empowerment, health equity, and practical clinical applications - particularly regarding traumatic spinal cord injuries. The research trajectory shows progression from foundational self-management concepts (2025) toward addressing systemic healthcare barriers (2023-2024) while simultaneously developing accessible assessment tools.

As an active mentor, Dr. Pilarski supports professional development within rehabilitation medicine. Her collaborative publication patterns indicate ongoing research partnerships across multiple institutions, though specific grant details aren't provided in available materials. Her presentation record demonstrates active engagement with contemporary issues in rehabilitation science and healthcare advocacy.