Jason R. Falvey

Jason R. Falvey, DPT, PhD is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, with a secondary appointment in Epidemiology & Public Health. He serves as Director of the Center for Disability Justice and leads the ENhancing Rehabilitation to Improve Community Health (ENRICH) lab. Dr. Falvey is a board-certified geriatric physical therapist and clinician-scientist dedicated to improving aging in place for older adults living with disability.

Dr. Falvey's research interests focus on rehabilitation epidemiology, rehabilitation health services research, home health care, disability, and health disparities among older adults. His work employs quantitative epidemiological and health services research methods, qualitative approaches, and community-participatory research to address critical issues in community mobility and rehabilitation access. His research particularly examines how neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage affects recovery trajectories for older adults after hospitalization or injury.

His recent publications reveal a strong emphasis on understanding how social determinants of health—particularly neighborhood deprivation—affect recovery outcomes after traumatic injuries like hip fractures and traumatic brain injuries among older adults. His work frequently analyzes Medicare claims data to identify disparities in rehabilitation access and outcomes, with special attention to populations with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.

• 2019 Dorothy Brigs Memorial Scientific Inquiry Award, American Physical Therapy Association
• 2020 Rose Excellence in Research Award, Academy of Orthopedic Physical Therapy
• 2020 President's Award, American Physical Therapy Association Home Health Section
• 2022 New Investigator Award, Health and Aging Foundation/American Geriatrics Society
• 2022 Jack Walker Award, American Physical Therapy Association
• 2022 Stephen M. Levine Award, American Physical Therapy Association Maryland Chapter
• 2024 Eugene Michaels New Investigator Award, American Physical Therapy Association
• 2024 Irion Award for Best Publication in Journal of Acute Care Physical Therapy

Dr. Falvey has secured significant grant funding including a $1.1 million Paul B. Beeson Emerging Leaders in Aging Career Development Award (K76) from the National Institute on Aging and serves as co-PI on a 5-year R01 grant with Dr. Jasmine Travers (NYU) examining neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage and nursing home staffing. He actively mentors students through the Epidemiology of Aging T32 program and co-directs the Baltimore Hip Studies Program, a research collaboration focused on fall-related injury epidemiology and recovery for older adults.

As Director of the Center for Disability Justice and leader of the ENRICH lab, Dr. Falvey works at the intersection of disability studies, rehabilitation science, and social justice. His team develops and tests interventions aimed at reducing participation and mobility inequities among older adults, particularly those living in disadvantaged neighborhoods. His approach emphasizes authentic community engagement and partnership with municipal stakeholders to create sustainable solutions for improving aging in place.