Q&A with Amanda Lindenberg, DO, MOT, assistant professor, Division of Developmental Pediatrics and Rehabilitation Medicine
Hometown: Waterford, Wisconsin
Educational/professional background: I attended Concordia University in Mequon, Wisconsin, where I completed the combined Bachelor of Rehabilitation Sciences and Master of Occupational Therapy Program. After working a few years as an occupational therapist, I attended medical school at the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine at Midwestern University in Downers Grove, Illinois. Following medical school, I completed a physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) residency at the University of Texas-Southwestern in Dallas, Texas. To further pursue my passion in pediatrics, I completed a two-year fellowship in pediatric rehabilitation medicine at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri.
Previous position (title, institution): Fellow, Children’s Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri
What is your field of research or area of clinical care, and how did you get into it? I am interested in obesity in individuals with disabilities, adaptive sports, and early diagnosis and management of cerebral palsy. I became interested in this because I love helping kids be kids despite the challenges they may face. Watching adaptive athletes truly will inspire you whether it’s as a spectator or as a volunteer. As a physical medicine and rehabilitation provider, I look at my patients as whole people and determine how I can help them optimize their function. Obtaining an early diagnosis, discussions, and interventions can help children be the healthiest form of themselves in mind and body.
How would you describe your work to a 5-year-old? We are a special team of doctors who help kids who may require some extra help doing everyday things like brushing their teeth. We give them tools they can use to move around to play. Sometimes people move a little bit differently because their muscles may be a little different. The doctors and their teammates called therapists help kids get strong and learn to crawl, walk, roll, and play. We make sure they can do all of the fun things they want to do! We want to make sure they have fun while working on getting stronger and feeling better.
What attracted you to UW–Madison? I was very attracted to the University of Wisconsin–Madison by the opportunities for growth of our division and my colleagues. I felt very welcomed on interview day and it felt like home. In addition, I grew up in Wisconsin and am aware of the significant need for additional pediatric PM&R physicians. To have the opportunity to support families who live in rural locations is one of the reasons I chose UW–Madison.
What is your favorite thing to do in Madison? To be honest, I am newer to the area as I grew up closer to the Milwaukee area. I have enjoyed the Farmer’s Market as well the shows at the Orpheum Theatre.
What’s one thing you hope trainees will learn from you and your work? I hope that trainees will have a better understanding of the inclusion of all individuals, including those with disabilities.
Do you feel your work relates to the Wisconsin Idea? If so, please describe how. My work as a rehabilitation medicine provider aims to improve access for all kids with injuries and disorders that impact their function here in Wisconsin, and also globally. This work involves educating our future physicians and leaders on the importance of accessibility and inclusion. In clinic and outside of work, I encourage children to be involved in adaptive activities such as adaptive dance, sports, and theater. I enjoy volunteering and serving with the adaptive sports community and hope to help grow these programs.
What’s something interesting about your area of expertise you can share that will make us sound smarter during video chats and parties? Recovery from a brain injury or stroke occurs in the setting of neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by making new connections. This occurs early in life, and our goal in rehabilitation is to promote this neuroplasticity. In pediatric rehabilitation medicine, a multidisciplinary approach is taken with therapists who use neuroplasticity as the underlying driver of specific therapeutic techniques. This helps the brain adapt and compensate for the functions that were lost. We know that the majority of recovery from stroke or traumatic brain injury happens during the first six months after insult to the brain due to this concept, and therefore early rehabilitation is essential to recovery.
What are some of your hobbies and other interests? I greatly enjoy working out, traveling, playing board games, attending comedy shows or live theater, all Wisconsin sports, and spending time with my family and friends.