Message From the Chief Medical Officer

Returning people to active and productive lives in the community is the ultimate goal of rehabilitation. It’s also the foundation on which TIRR Memorial Hermann has built its programs since its founding 55 years ago. As rehabilitation professionals, we have long known that good management of the transition between hospital and home is critical to recovery and essential to reducing post-discharge admissions to acute care hospitals. In an environment with increased emphasis by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and other payers on producing the best outcomes, TIRR Memorial Hermann is ahead of the game.

Our relationship with former patients and clients continues after their return to the community. Through programs like Independent Living Research Utilization, founded 39 years ago, TIRR Memorial Hermann advocates for independent living for people with impairments, activity limitations and participation restrictions. The hospital’s physician-based Outpatient Medical Clinic serves the needs of former patients and others in the community who require follow-up care, annual checkups or treatment for non-emergent medical problems associated with disability.

In January 2015, our nation will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. We owe a great debt to those who envisioned acceptance of diversity and full participation in society for everyone, regardless of impairment and limitation. Thanks to the progress we’ve made since the passage of the act, more of us are able to achieve our goals.

Gerard E. Francisco, MD
Chief Medical Officer
TIRR Memorial Hermann
Chair, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
McGovern Medical School at UTHealth