UAB will conduct research into how gut function and metabolic health are affected by spinal cord injury to better understand how quickly this change occurs and how long it lasts.
Author: Phil Cleveen
Media Contact: Anna Jones
Dr. Rachel Cowan, Dr. Jereme Wilroyof University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation received a $2 million grant over four years. National Institute of Rehabilitation for Persons with Disabilities to keep it going for years Spinal cord injury model system.
“The status of the UAB PM&R as a long-standing spinal cord injury model system means that patients in Alabama and the southeastern United States have direct access to the most cutting-edge research possible.” V NguyenMD, Chair of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation UAB Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine“More importantly, this cutting-edge research can be translated into a direct pathway of care that optimizes outcomes for people with spinal cord injuries. You don’t have to go far.”
The SCI Model System is awarded on the basis of demonstrated excellence in the field of research and knowledge translation that promotes the health and quality of life of people with spinal cord injuries, their families, and SCI-related professionals.
When a spinal cord injury occurs, paralysis can impair the nerve function that controls intestinal mobility. UAB-SCIMS will study how gut function and metabolic health are affected by spinal cord injury to better understand how quickly this change occurs and how long it lasts. The goal of this study is to help health care providers tailor treatment for spinal cord injury patients to prevent this from happening in the future.
UAB begins this funding cycle under new leadership. Rachel CowanPhD, Assistant Professor UAB Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine and the Program Director of UAB SCIMS to lead the program together Jeremy Wilroy PhD, Assistant Professor, Program Co-Director.
“Leading UAB’s SCI model system is both a humbling and an exciting experience,” said Cowan. “UAB has been a model system since the program began 50 years ago. Dr. Willroy and I look forward to continuing UAB’s track record of excellence.”
The department’s spinal cord injury model system has been continuously funded since 1972 and is one of the longest continuously funded systems in existence. UAB is joined by 17 other his SCI model systems across the country.
UAB Medicine Spanish Rehabilitation Center Ranked 20th on US News & World Report’s Best Hospitals for Rehabilitation list.Researchers and Healthcare Providers Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Through high-quality patient care, innovative basic scientific and clinical research, and comprehensive education, we work to improve and restore the functional capacity and quality of life of people with physical disabilities or disabilities.
