We are pleased to announce 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, following 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. In these roles, Dr. Telhan oversees the UNC Spine Center and supports the mentorship and professional development of PM&R faculty. He also holds a secondary appointment in the department of social medicine.
Dr. Telhan has taught across the medical student curriculum, is a member of the UNC Academy of Educators, and was selected by the graduating class of 2025 as one of three designated hooders. He also serves as a 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. We thank Dr. Alexander for his service to the department and in supporting Dr. Telhan as he begins this interim leadership role.