Abby Cheng, MD, an associate professor of orthopedic surgery at WashU Medicine, has been named the 2026 Early Career Award recipient by the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Established in 2023, the award recognizes members with 10 or fewer years of practice who have made meaningful contributions to the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation through innovation, advocacy, leadership, service or clinical practice.
Cheng’s clinical and research work focuses on young adult hip disorders, comprehensive patient-centered musculoskeletal care, mobile health technology, long-term symptoms after COVID infection and disparities in care. She applies an integrated lifestyle medicine approach to address chronic musculoskeletal pain, emphasizing nutrition optimization, weight loss, smoking cessation and stress reduction, alongside care designed to address patients’ physical and psychosocial health needs — including mental health.
Cheng is the research director for the WashU Medicine Living Well Center and also the medical director for the Long COVID Clinic in the Department of Medicine’s Division of Infectious Diseases. She was a recipient of a 2026 Dean’s Impact Award, given to faculty who have led or contributed to community-focused efforts to improve clinical care, education or research.
The American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation represents more than 10,000 physicians who specialize in physical medicine and rehabilitation. The award will be presented at the group’s annual assembly in Orlando, Fla., Nov. 11-14.