NNS

NEWSLETTER

A message from the President

As we approach the holiday season in the US, I can certainly say that I am very thankful to serve you as the National Neurotrauma Society President this year. I am following in very large footprints, and I am so honored to have this opportunity to work in a society that has given me so much and try to help it continue to grow and improve. I’m writing to give a few updates on some of our progress so far, and details of exciting new things to come.

First, I wanted to update everyone on the status of our Strategic Plan. Last year, Dr. Robertson and the ICS team ran a comprehensive analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the society and our opportunities for growth. The plan was finished over the summer, and the NNS Council has now had a chance to review and approve the plan. The resulting plan will be posted on our website for all members to view in the coming weeks. Briefly, we have put into place a list of strategic priorities and goals to achieve over the next few years in 5 broad categories: training and mentoring of the generation of neurotrauma specialists, growing the society (members and financials), increasing awareness of NNS among the broader neuroscience and clinical communities, increasing membership and engagement across clinical and research disciplines, and fostering industry collaboration. Specific goals, metrics, and deadlines will be listed on our website soon. Read on here...

Help Promote Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Research by getting active

Get up and get dressed in your race day gear and hit the treadmill, streets or trails for the 2nd Annual Neurotrauma 5K (3.1 miles) Fun Run/Walk in support of the National Neurotrauma Society’s (NNS) education, advocacy, and research initiatives.

Register as an individual, join a team, or create your own team! You can even register your family and friends- what a great activity to do together during the holiday season! Virtual Run Walk will start after Thanksgiving on November 25th and will end after New Year on January 2nd.

Don’t fret if you are not interested in burning calories. We also offer a “Good Intentions” option for those who wish to support the Society without lacing up – just sign up, sit back and relax!

Find full event details here...

International Online SCI Research Seminars (I-OSCIRS)

During the pandemic break, a group of neurotrauma researchers led by Dr. Warren Alilain created the International Online Spinal Cord Injury Research Seminars (I-OSCIRS). This initiative allowed the SCI community to remain connected and updated on the latest scientific advancements, even during lockdowns. These seminars continue to be streamed on their YouTube channel once a month, and here is the upcoming lineup.

December 6th - England Special featuring:

• Raquel Oliveira, PhD, Postdoctoral Research Associate, King’s College London.
• Philippa Warren, PhD, King’s Prize Research Fellow (PI), King’s College London.

January 10th - Ireland Special featuring:

• Éimear Smith, Consultant in Rehabilitation Medicine, National Rehabilitation & Mater Misericordiae University Hospitals, Dublin
• Dearbhaile Dooley, Lecturer/Assistant Professor of Anatomy, University College Dublin

February 7th – Regular program

• Mayssa Mokalled, Assistant Professor, Washington University School of Medicine

Spotlight on Domestic Violence and Traumatic Brain Injury

A recent opinion article published in the Washington Post by a trio of medical health professionals from Ohio has brought new focus to a vulnerable population often overlooked in trauma care and research: victims of domestic violence. According to the article, 1 in 3 women worldwide will experience intimate partner violence, including violent injury to the head and neck, parallel with strangulation, chokeholds, and suffocation. Furthermore, 50% of these victims are likely to be victims of repeat TBI. Statistics from Ohio’s domestic violence agencies suggest that over 80 percent of survivors have experienced abuse that could lead to brain trauma. Written in the shadow of huge names in football, having had unprecedented TBI occurrences, the trauma outside the limelight requires further attention. Read on here...



New TBI/PTSD Law Enforcement Training Bill Passed

On August 16, 2022, the “Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Law Enforcement Training Act” became law. This bill requires the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) to consult with relevant agencies to establish crisis intervention training tools for first responders to address individuals with traumatic brain injuries, acquired brain injuries, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The BJA must ensure that at least one police department designated as a Law Enforcement Mental Health Learning Site utilizes the tools and that such tools are part of the Police-Mental Health Collaboration Toolkit. Additionally, the bill requires the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to study and report on the prevalence and incidence of concussions among first responders. For more information, click here...



View the latest Ask an Expert Virtual Roundtable Discussion focused on ways to position yourself for academic success, how to keep it going, and balancing academic success with personal fulfillment. The recording is available exclusively to members here.