Congratulations to the ten DFMCH faculty who received promotions this academic year! Faculty in the UW School of Medicine and Public Health are employed within six distinct career tracks including clinical health sciences (CHS) and clinician teacher.
Sreevalli Atluru, MD – Associate Professor (CHS)
Dr. Atluru is a committed clinician, educator, and leader whose work has significantly advanced the care of pregnant people with substance use disorders. She was among the first in the department to provide medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder and has become a central figure in caring for high-risk perinatal populations. Dr. Atluru has contributed to grant-funded initiatives, published scholarly work, and delivered numerous presentations on perinatal substance use care focused on improving care models and outcomes for this vulnerable group.
Karina Atwell, MD, MPH – Associate Professor (CHS)
Dr. Atwell is a dedicated educator and clinician whose leadership has transformed residency training at the University of Wisconsin. She has revitalized public health education, developed a Lifestyle Medicine curriculum, and championed resident well-being through mentorship and advocacy. By integrating innovation in clinical care, scholarship, and community engagement, she continues to shape the future of medical education and healthcare.
Jeff Hartman, PT, DPT, MPH – Associate Professor (CHS)
Dr. Hartman is a visionary educator and clinician whose innovative approach has transformed the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the University of Wisconsin, enhancing student engagement and learning outcomes. His leadership extends beyond the classroom, pioneering global and public health initiatives, mentoring future leaders, and shaping emergency department physical therapy programs that have improved care worldwide. From establishing Belize’s first community-based rehabilitation program to influencing international policy and education, his impact on physical therapy is profound.
Jamie J. Kling, DO – Clinical Professor
Dr. Kling is passionate about family medicine and service to medically vulnerable rural communities. From attracting new learners to medicine, to providing rural clinical experiences for early learners, as well as expanding access to critical healthcare in rural areas, Dr Kling embodies and exemplifies the compassionate and essence of family medicine. He is an incredibly well-rounded physician who understands the need for physicians to contribute to clinical care and education of future generations. His leadership in clinical medicine and education furthers our department and the field of family medicine.
Trisha McCormick, DO – Clinical Associate Professor
Dr. McCormick exemplifies the best of family medicine. Her passion for clinical care, dedication to her patients, leadership in quality improvement, and mentorship of the next generation of physicians make her an invaluable asset to the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health. She has continually demonstrated her ability to provide compassionate, patient-centered care while making meaningful contributions to her clinic and the broader healthcare system.
Elizabeth Perry, MD – Clinical Professor
Dr. Perry is a compassionate and skilled family physician whose leadership and dedication have meaningfully shaped primary care at UW Health. Her commitment to improving behavioral health access, enhancing patient-clinician communication, and mentoring future physicians reflects her deep investment in patient-centered care and collaborative practice. Through clinical excellence, thoughtful innovation, and a focus on relationship-building, Dr. Perry continues to elevate care for patients and support the well-being of her colleagues.
Peter Pickhardt, MD – Clinical Associate Professor
Dr. Pickhardt is a trusted and experienced family physician whose 20+ years of service reflects deep commitment to his patients, clinic, and community. He combines clinical excellence with leadership in practice improvement, chronic disease management, and behavioral health integration. A dedicated educator and collaborator, he also brings valuable insight to hospital credentialing and serves as medical director for the DeForest public schools. His integrity, compassion, and steady presence make him an essential member of the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health.
Adam Rindfleisch, MPhil, MD – Professor (CHS)
Dr. Rindfleisch is a transformative leader in integrative medicine education, shaping curriculum development, faculty training, and patient-centered care. His work in the VA Whole Health curriculum and medical education leadership has influenced countless clinicians and patients nationwide. As a former Vice Dean of Education and an active leader in national organizations, he continues to advance integrative medicine through innovation, scholarship, and mentorship. His return to the DFMCH marks an exciting continuation of his impact in the field.
Elizabeth Salisbury-Afshar, MD, MPH – Professor (CHS)
Dr. Salisbury-Afshar is a distinguished clinician and public health leader specializing in addiction medicine. She provides comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care and directs the COMPASS clinic, a walk-in facility offering accessible treatment for substance use disorders. As Program Director of the Preventive Medicine residency, she has expanded training opportunities and secured critical funding. A dedicated educator, she has restructured addiction medicine curricula, mentored trainees across disciplines, and led national continuing medical education initiatives. Her extensive scholarly contributions and leadership in addiction and preventive medicine continue to shape clinical care, education, and policy at local, state, and national levels.
Jonathan Takahashi, MD, MPH – Clinical Associate Professor
Dr. Takahashi is a compassionate and skilled physician who brings a thoughtful, integrative approach to patient care. He combines primary care expertise with innovative strategies for managing chronic pain, enhancing care for patients with complex needs. His commitment to quality improvement, education, and collaboration is evident in his work with patients, learners, and colleagues. Through his clinical care, teaching, and leadership, Dr. Takahashi makes a meaningful and lasting contribution to the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health.
Published: April 2025