The University of Michigan Concussion Center and Michigan Medicine’s Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) are thrilled to welcome Amy J. Jak, PhD, as our newest faculty member. Dr. Jak joins the U-M community as a nationally recognized clinical neuropsychologist and investigator, bringing an incredible depth of expertise to our shared mission of advancing brain injury research and clinical care. “The campus community and Michigan Medicine have been so welcoming, and the resources and infrastructure are exceptional to support my work and goals,” Dr. Jak shared.

Dr. Jak’s work focuses on the neuropsychological and functional outcomes of traumatic brain injury (TBI), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and aging-related cognitive changes among military personnel. Spanning assessment, neuroimaging, cognitive rehabilitation, and community reintegration, her diverse research portfolio brings a powerful focus on Veteran health. At the core of her personal research interests are the neuropsychology of concussion and the role mental health plays in concussion recovery. Currently, Dr. Jak serves as the Principal Investigator on a Department of Defense (DoD) study evaluating the implementation of a PTSD treatment protocol within the context of concussion. Looking ahead, she is eager to build new collaborations across the university, expanding her work into sport concussion and reaching groups that have historically been underrepresented in concussion care and research. Dr. Steven Broglio, the Concussion Center’s director noted, “We are excited to have Amy join our team. She is incredibly well known among the Veteran and TBI populations and we are eager to learn from her experience and how her work can apply to sport and civilian injuries.”

Before coming to Ann Arbor, Dr. Jak built a standout career at the VA San Diego Healthcare System and the University of California San Diego, where she served as a Professor of Psychiatry. As an incredibly prolific scholar and collaborator, she brings over 153 peer-reviewed publications, a robust portfolio of federal research funding, and numerous global presentations to our team.

Beyond her clinical and research achievements, Dr. Jak is a deeply dedicated educator. She has spearheaded training initiatives across internship, practicum, and postdoctoral fellowship levels, including directing the VA San Diego Healthcare System Neuropsychology Postdoctoral Fellowship. Her national leadership and commitment to clinical training earned her the prestigious Distinguished Mentor Award from the American Psychological Association (APA) Division 19 (Society for Military Psychology) in 2020. Dr. Jak notes that she is looking forward to establishing new connections in her new role. “Mentorship is one of my most valued professional activities and I am always looking for mentees who have similar interests to mine as I build my community here,” she emphasized.

As Dr Jak integrates into the PM&R and Concussion Center communities, her collaborative spirit and deep clinical insight will significantly enrich our ongoing initiatives and inspire the next generation of brain injury specialists.

Please join us in extending a warm, enthusiastic welcome to Dr. Amy J. Jak! We are proud to have her on the team.