Raj Telhan, MD MFA, has been selected to serve as interim chair of the department of physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R). He will assume the role on July 20 from Joshua Alexander, MD, who announced his retirement in January.
Dr. Telhan currently serves as medical director of the UNC Spine Center and vice chair for faculty development in PM&R, where he has been a faculty member since 2016. Dr. Telhan also holds a secondary appointment in the department of social medicine.
As medical director, Dr. Telhan leads the UNC Spine Center. In his role as vice chair for faculty development, he supports the mentorship and professional development of PM&R faculty. He has taught across the medical student curriculum and is a member of the UNC Academy of Educators. The graduating class of 2025 selected him as one of three designated hooders. Dr. Telhan also serves as contributing editor at Virginia Quarterly Review.
A graduate of the University of Virginia School of Medicine, he completed his residency in PM&R at NYP-Columbia & Cornell University Medical Centers before returning to UVA as a fellow for interventional spine training.
A national search for a permanent chair will begin late fall 2026. Please join us in welcoming Dr. Telhan to this role.