DerbyCity Area Chapter of the National Spinal Cord Injury Association
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
The Derby City Area Chapter of the N.S.C.I.A. is a membership organization for individuals with spinal cord injuries, their families, and health professionals. Founded in 1984 as a Charter Member of the N.S.C.I.A., it was incorporated under IRS Section 501 (c) 3 as a not for profit organization. The Board of Directors consists of the Officers, Past President and the Board Members At Large.
*** OFFICERS
PRESIDENT
David Allgood - (502) 589-6620
VICE PRESIDENT
Adam Ford - (502) 425-2206
TREASURER
Tom Stokes- (502) 957-5865
LIAISON TO FRAZIER INSTITUTE
Jill Farmer
FUNDRAISING CHAIR
Betty Perry—(502) 647-0368
CORRESPONDING SECRETARY/WEB MASTER
Michael Feger- (502) 647-0368
PAST PRESIDENT
Adam Ford- (502) 425-2206
BOARD MEMBERS AT LARGE-
Mike Perry
Kelly Young
NSCIA DERBY CITY CHAPTER NEWSLETTER
Editor- Barbara Davis
Contributor- David Allgood
Visit Our Website at www.DerbyCitySpinalCord.org
The Derby City Area Chapter newsletter is brought to you through the generous support of Frazier Rehab Institute.
MEDICINE'S BEST KEPT SECRET, CONT'D
medical expertise underscores the significant roles we can play in treating disabling conditions throughout a person's lifetime."
These disabilities may be due to low back, neck and shoulder pain, arthritis, Osteoporosis, sports injuries, or involve more complex conditions such as spinal cord injuries, stroke and cardiac Rehabilitation and traumatic brain injuries.
"Rehabilitation physicians take the time needed to accurately pinpoint the source of an ailment and then design treatments that can be done by the patients themselves or with our medical team," explained Dr. Press. "What's so important is to recognize that with our focus on non surgical approaches we can avoid less extreme interventions and more costly procedures. This is accomplished by taking the `whole patient' into account, not just a specific symptom."
For example, low back pain can be triggered by a variety of causes. Often it is difficult to identify the cause in the course of a routine examination. A rehabilitation physician will address issues such as prior illness or injuries, the patient's work Environment and lifestyle, and determine a course of treatment that extends to the overall functioning of the patient.
Or, when treating a stroke victim, a rehabilitation physician will evaluate the negative effects of the stroke as well as the patient's pre-attack status, factoring in the patient's physical abilities, emotional state, family support, education, and even spiritual resources. After this analysis, a comprehensive recovery program is developed, involving, as appropriate, physical and speech therapists, neurologists, psychologists, and social workers.
Rehab physicians attain such scope of expertise through four years of medical school plus an additional four years of specialized hospital-based residency training in rehabilitative medicine. Some physicians pursue additional advanced degrees in sub specialties such as musculosceltal rehabilitation and spinal cord injury.
"Our extensive education and training help patients stay as active as possible at any age," Dr. Press added.
To locate a rehabilitation specialist in your community, or to learn about the specialty, visit the AAPM&R website at http://www.aapmr.org.
Based in Chicago, AAPM&R is the national medical society representing more than 7,500 physicians who are specialists in the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation.
