In 2009, then CEO of the University of Rochester Medical Center, Bradford C. Berk, M.D., Ph.D. suffered a severe spinal cord injury. His story of recovery — Berk returned to his post eight months later and has regained much neurological function — and perseverance has served as an inspiration to countless individuals who suffer from spinal cord injury.
As director of the University of Rochester Neurorestoration Institute’s advanced approach to treating acute neurological injuries (due to stroke, spinal cord injury, or traumatic brain injury), I want to share what we’ve learned about how the injured individual can get 'back to life.'
~Bradford Berk, M.D., Ph.D.
Berk’s perspective as a health care leader, physician, and a spinal cord injury patient has provided him with unique insight into the shortcomings and opportunities that exist in how we currently provide care and support to individuals (and their families) with chronic neurologic diseases. Fueled with the same determination and passion that enabled him to overcome his injury, in January 2015, Berk stepped down from his role as CEO to lead a new initiative that will make Rochester a national center for the rehabilitation of individuals with chronic neurologic diseases to improve their function and state of well-being.
Mission of the URNI
To bring the highest quality and most innovative approaches to restore function in individuals who have suffered damage to their brain, spinal cord, and/or peripheral nerves.
Vision of the URNI
To be a national destination for rehabilitation of people with chronic neurologic conditions, and a center for excellence in research on restoration of cognitive, motor, and sensory function.
Dr. Berk's Inspirational Stories
Wednesday's with Wheels podcast with Dr. Berk
Getting Your Brain & Body Back: Everything You Need to Know After Spinal Cord Injury, Stroke, or Traumatic Brain Injury
This self-help book is for patients, families, and care givers of persons with acute neurological injuries (ANI). In Getting Your Brain & Body Back, Dr. Berk covers each system, offering up-to-date guidance on recovery, treatment, and daily living. Survivors and families will learn how to prevent common problems, find (and pay for) life-changing rehab, ward off depression, return to work, and much more. By sharing candid advice from his own experience, plus insights from the brightest minds in the field, Dr. Berk helps others get back to life.
Learn more about Dr. Berk's new book and to order.