(From left) Alyssa Mixon, DO, MBA, and Sara Raiser, MD
The American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation has named Alyssa Cole Mixon, DO, MBA, and Sara N. Raiser, MD, as Innovators & Influencers in 2025. The AAPM&R Innovators and Influencers Honoree Program features the outstanding work of early- and mid-career members who are making an impact in the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation.
Dr. Mixon and Dr. Raiser are assistant professors in the UVA Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. They are also associate program directors for UVA’s physical medicine & rehabilitation residency program. As leaders in their specialty, they demonstrate excellence in advancing patient care through innovation, education, and advocacy.
Dr. Mixon’s clinical focus on cancer rehabilitation addresses a critical and often overlooked need in medicine. Through her work, she supports patients dealing with complex issues such as chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, lymphedema, and other treatment-related impairments. Her integrative, patient-centered approach has helped improve quality of life for countless individuals navigating life after cancer treatment.
Dr. Raiser’s career is dedicated to resident education and running medicine with a focus on the female athlete. She began a recurring resident didactic series on research and professional development. She also developed an interdisciplinary runner’s case conference between her department and the physical therapy department to collaborate on interdisciplinary care of sports-related pathologies. And she is the founder of the Running Medicine National Grand Rounds virtual series that features experts speaking on a variety of running medicine related topics.
The School of Medicine is proud of Dr. Mixon and Dr. Raiser for inspiring their peers and shaping the future of rehabilitation medicine.
Filed Under: Honors & Awards