On Our Minds
The Neilsen Foundation staff often find themselves in interesting conversation with colleagues, grantees and members of both the philanthropic and spinal cord injury communities. It’s an exciting time in the SCI field with advances in science and the ongoing discussions about disability inclusion. We value collaboration, the sharing of ideas and developing innovative approaches to solving difficult issues. Periodically we share thoughts and ideas with the hope of creating opportunities for dialogue.
Supporting Early Career Pathways in SCI
By: Joy Guihama
Physiatrists are doctors who specialize in the care of people with disabilities, including those with spinal cord injury (SCI). Trained in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R), physiatrists work to enhance and restore their patients’ ability to function and their quality of life. The overall goal of PM&R care is to educate and empower patients and to maximize independence.
One of the most challenging decisions that many medical students struggle to make is what specialty to choose. Exposing trainees to PM&R is critical in advancing the specialty and attracting medical students to become the physiatrists of the future. Unfortunately, many medical schools do not offer PM&R as standard curriculum, making students unaware of this branch of medicine.
By funding SCI medicine fellowships, the Neilsen Foundation supports efforts to expand the network of physicians and researchers who work in SCI. The Foundation has partnered with the Association of Academic Physiatrists (AAP) to expand eight-week externship programs that immerse medical students in clinical and research experiences, mentorship, and education on a variety of PM&R subspecialties, including SCI. They offer hands-on, real world experiences, encouraging students to pursue a career in this specialty area. Since 2014, over 55 students have received Foundation-supported stipends for SCI-specific research and clinical rotations during their summer externships.
These programs help reach and attract high quality medical students to the field of SCI. The Foundation continues to look to enhance strategies to reach all stages in the SCI clinical career pipeline.
In the News
How accessible is Penn State for students with disabilities?
PENNSYLVANIA, PA (Collegian.psu.edu) - The main entrance of a building is not always an option for student Leah Joslyn. Born with a spinal disability, Joslyn (junior-psychology) uses a wheelchair as she naviagates life at University Park, a campus that has made...
UArizona Launches Effort to Raise $50M for Student Support
TUCSON, AZ (UANews.arizona.edu) - The University of Arizona has launched the 360 Initiative funding campaign, which seeks to raise at least $50 million by this time next year to remove obstacles to student's success, enrich their experiences and prepare them to pursue...
Paralyzed Veterans of America launches new multi-faceted initiative to address the needs of women veterans with disabilities
WASHINGTON, DC (PRNnewswire.com) - More than 40 U.S female veterans with a range of disabilities will gather for Paralyzed Veterans of America's WE Served, Oct. 3 to 6 in Crested Butte, Colarado. The all expenses-paid retreat will feature workshops focused on...
Researchers identify molecular process that could accelerate recovery from nerve injuries
LOS ANGELES, CA (UCLA Newsroom) - Twenty million Americans suffer from peripheral nerve injuries, which can be caused by traumas such as combat wounds and motorcylce crashes as well as medical disorders including diabetes. These injuries can have a devastating impact...
Oregon Adaptive Sports hosts adventure sports outings
BEND, ORE (KTVZ.COM) - From Thursday through next Tuesday, Oregon Adaptive Sports will host five alumni from Denver's Craig Hospital, a leading neurological rehabilitation facility, for four days of adaptive adventure sports, including mountain biking and kayaking....
First global open-source database for spinal cord injury research will be a ‘game-changer,’ say experts
EDMONTON, CANADA (Folio.ca) - Experts from the University of Alberta and two universities of California are teaming up to launch the world's first open-source database for spinal cord injury research. The Open Data Commons for preclinical Spinal Cord Injury research...
Dance/NYC Announces Recipients Of Disability. Dance. Artistry. Residency Program
NEW YORK, NY (Broadwayworld.com) - The service organization Dance/NYC and its program partner Gibney are pleased to announce the fall recipients of the Disability. Dance. Artistry. Residency Program, made possible by the generous support of the Craig H. Neilsen...
Center for Cultural Innovation (CCI) Announces Recipients of the Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Artist Innovator Fund
LOS ANGELES, CA (Center for Cultural Innovation) - With support from the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation, the Center for Cultural Innovation (CCI) today announced the ten Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Artist-Innovator Fund grantees' funded projects. The SCI Artist-Innovator...
Kessler Foundation to study neuroimaging neurofeedback for pain after spinal cord injury
EAST HANOVER, NJ (EurekAlert!) - Jeanne Zanca, PhD, MPT, of Kessler Foundation received a $299,000 grant from the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation for a pilot study to develop new strategies for the management of neuropathic pain in individuals with spinal cord injury....
Helping Others Face a New Way of Life
LAS VEGAS, NV (UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, LAS VEGAS) - Scholarship donors look forward to their student recipients finishing school and going on to lead inspiring, fulfilling lives. But one Neilsen Foundation Scholar is making a big difference already. Meet Bradley Boe.