Michigan Medicine’s Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) and the University of Michigan Concussion Center are delighted to announce Dr. Jonathan Lifshitz as a new faculty member joining the U-M community from the University of Arizona College of Medicine.  Dr. Lifshitz’s recruitment and hiring are part of Michigan’s Biosciences Initiative.  A distinguished leader in neurotrauma, Dr. Lifshitz has made significant strides in brain injury research, including defining the fencing response and identifying rod microglia during his tenure at the University of Arizona in Phoenix.

Joining U-M as a Professor in the Department of PM&R and Associate Director for the Outreach and Engagement Core for the U-M Concussion Center, Dr. Lifshitz is poised to harness the university’s diverse academic resources to further his research on brain injuries. His recent investigations have brought critical attention to domestic violence and intimate partner violence as under-recognized sources of traumatic brain injuries. Committed to using data effectively, he aims to build supportive networks for those affected by these issues. Moreover, Dr. Lifshitz is also spearheading an innovative project on the “science of time,” using time-lapse imaging to observe long-term brain activity in awake, behaving mice, offering insights into the brain’s response to various physiological stimuli. 

“Expanding our methods and areas of research in brain injury within the University of Michigan Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation is crucial to helping bring the best care to our patients who have experienced traumatic brain injuries,” said Nitin Jain, M.D., M.S.P.H, chair and collegiate professor of the U-M Health department of physical medicine and rehabilitation. “We look forward to Dr. Lifshitz bringing his care and expertise to both the department  and the University of Michigan Concussion Center as we continue to serve a growing patient population.”

In his role as Associate Director for the U-M Concussion Center, Dr. Lifshitz champions the importance of storytelling in science. “Through storytelling, we can share what drives our work, how new findings expand our understanding, and the steps we’re taking to create meaningful change,” he explains. This approach not only fosters collaboration within the scientific community but also helps bridge the gap between complex research and public understanding, making science accessible and engaging. Dr. Steven Broglio, Concussion Center Director, remarked, “Dr. Lifshitz fills a critical need in the Concussion Center portfolio, along with a fresh approach to translating science to the people that need it most – the clinicians and general public.  We’re fortunate to have him as a colleague.”

Dr. Lifshitz deeply values a creative and collaborative research environment. He often initiates this by sharing bold, unconventional ideas to encourage his team to think freely and innovatively. “I’m usually the first to share a completely illogical, unfeasible, wild idea,” he says, demonstrating his commitment to fostering a space where creative ideas can flourish and evolve into impactful research.

Navigating the complexities of academic responsibilities, Dr. Lifshitz employs a unique metaphor of changing plates to describe his adaptive approach to managing his different roles. “You know how people say their plate is full? Well, what they don’t tell you is whether it’s a saucer, a side plate, a dinner plate, or a platter,” he explains, “at some point, you have to take a breath and swap your side plate for a dinner plate. And again, later on, you’ll probably need to upgrade that dinner plate to a platter if you want to handle everything in front of you.” 

Dr. Lifshitz is also an advocate for mentorship, empowering his team regardless of their level of expertise. He encourages them to take ownership of their projects and lead their teams effectively. He reflects, “Mentorship to me is about learning what drives someone, what they want to do daily, and how they hope to impact the world,” aiming to transform professional experiences into passionate endeavors.

With his key research focuses, including the health implications of domestic violence, veteran health issues related to brain injuries, and enhancing safety in youth sports, Dr. Lifshitz is committed to making a significant impact as a new faculty member at U-M. His work not only advances scientific knowledge but also involves educating communities and advocating for policies to support vulnerable populations.

We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Lifshitz and his team to the University of Michigan. His distinctive blend of scientific excellence, innovative thinking, and passionate advocacy promises to significantly enrich our academic community and drive meaningful change in brain injury research.