New England Regional Spinal Cord Injury Center

Our Team

Your Care Team

Your individualized rehabilitation team is the backbone of your care. Physicians with board certification in physical medicine and rehabilitation – known as physiatrists – will lead your team. Our physicians are also board certified in spinal cord injury rehabilitation. Our nurses, who each have specialized training in rehabilitation and more than 20 years of nursing experience, will oversee your day-to-day care. Our team is experienced in the special considerations and requirements of individuals with spinal cord injury. We understand it is our responsibility to prepare you for returning home with the maximum level of independence and highest quality of life. Our experience in the field of spinal cord injury rehabilitation will help you and your family during this process.

Physicians

Steve Williams, MD
Chief and Chairman
Associate Professor of Rehabilitation Medicine

Simona Manasian, MD
Clinical Assistant Clinical Professor of Rehabilitation Medicine

Radha Vijayakumar, MD
Assistant Clinical Professor of Rehabilitation Medicine

Feng Wang, MD
Assistant Professor of Rehabilitation Medicine

Anton Shcherbina, MD
Assistant Professor of Rehabilitation Medicine

Other Professionals Who May be on Your Team

Physical Therapists

After a person sustains a spinal cord injury, a Physical Therapist (PT) will assess strength, balance, endurance and mobility. You and the therapist will work together to maximize your level of functional mobility. Your functional mobility will depend on the level of injury to the spinal cord. If the injury occurred at the cervical or thoracic level, your primary means of mobility will initially be through the use of a wheelchair. The PT will fit you to a customized wheelchair that will allow enable you to independently negotiate all surfaces indoors and in the community. Your PT will also create a strengthening program to ensure you regain your maximum level of strength and coordination. PT sessions during rehabilitation are rigorous and exhausting. Your treatment plan is individualized to your needs. It is designed to provide you with every opportunity to regain strength and mobility allowing you to reach your maximum level of independence.

Occupational Therapists

When you begin rehabilitation an Occupational Therapist will evaluate your level of independence with self care activities. Your ability to complete everyday tasks such as grooming, dressing, bathing, and eating will be assessed. You and your OT will work together to increase your independence with these activities utilizing adaptive equipment or compensatory techniques. Your OT will also work with you to identify other areas that need to be addressed based on your individual needs, such as computer training, assistive technology and home modifications. We will establish an individualized treatment program, providing you with opportunities to reach your maximum level of independence.

Speech/Language Pathologists

Individuals with cervical spinal cord injuries may require Speech Language Pathology (SLP) services to assist in ventilator/tracheostomy weaning, assess and remediate swallowing disorders, and maximize functional communication. As part of your interdisciplinary team your SLP is experienced in these specialized care areas, will address individual needs and provide comprehensive patient and family education.

Recreational Therapists

During rehabilitation a Recreational Therapist (RT) will work with you to return to your recreation and leisure activities using modified equipment or techniques. The RT will also guide you in discovering new activities and interests. Recreation is a key component to independence and quality of life. It is essential that you learn about the many opportunities available to you after discharge. To that end, our RT will provide opportunities for you try these activities when possible. You will be given the option to speak with individuals who participate in the many recreational activities available to those living with SCI. Through recreational therapy, you will also have the opportunity to participate in various programs during rehabilitation such as Pet Therapy, Music Therapy, Adaptive Sailing and Peer Counseling.

Your rehabilitation program will be specifically designed for your individual needs. Your family and friends will be provided with the training they need to assist you in your recovery. As part of the rehabilitation process, you will participate in daily therapy under the direction of your primary rehabilitation team. Other team members who may be involved in your care are a social worker, case manager, nutritionist, skin care nurse and neuropsychologist.