In 2010, TIRR Memorial Hermann began hosting the Rehabilitation Innovation Awards. These competitive awards make it possible for any staff member to play a role in our mission to conduct clinically inspired research that benefits our patients. Each year a Pilot Award of $50,000 is granted to an experienced investigator to fund an innovative project that ultimately will lead to federal or foundation funding for expanded research studies. Two staff awards, ranging from $5,000 to $10,000, support smaller projects designed to give therapists, nurses, social workers and other staff hands-on experience in research with mentoring by experienced investigators. Congratulations to our Rehabilitation Innovation Award winners Dr. Argyrios Stampas, Gregory Brusola and Hilary Touchett.
I would also like to recognize two of our leading investigators, Dr. Angelle Sander and Dr. Mark Sherer, for their long-term commitment to TIRR Memorial Hermann and for the national recognitions they received this year. Dr. Sander was invited to deliver the Mitch Rosenthal Memorial Lecture at the 42nd Williamsburg Brain Injury Rehabilitation Conference, and Dr. Sherer was awarded the prestigious Robert L. Moody Prize for Distinguished Initiatives in Brain Injury Research and Rehabilitation. Their work and leadership has helped build our reputation for outstanding treatment of traumatic brain injury.
TIRR Memorial Hermann’s history is alive with examples of advances in clinical approaches to rehabilitation fostered by imaginative research initiatives. We believe the future depends on them.
Jerry A. Ashworth, FACHE
Chief Executive Officer
TIRR Memorial Hermann
System Executive for Rehabilitation Services
Memorial Hermann Health System