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Introducing the new PI for the SCI Model Systems
Chloe Slocum, MD, MPH is a Harvard-trained physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) physician and spinal cord injury medicine specialist who serves as the Principal Investigator for the Spaulding New England Regional Spinal Cord Injury Center (SNERSCIC) Model System. Dr. Slocum graduated with Honors in Public Health Studies from the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD and earned her medical degree at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York, NY. She completed residency training in PM&R and served as chief resident at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, followed by a fellowship in spinal cord injury (SCI) medicine at the Boston VA Health System. In 2016-2017, she was named one of four physicians nationally to serve as a Commonwealth Fund Fellow in Minority Health Policy and completed her Master of Public Health degree from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health with a specialization in health policy and management and a focus on health equity for persons with disability. Dr. Slocum serves as Associate Chair for Quality and Assistant Professor at Harvard Medical School in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and as the Director of Health Policy for Mass General Brigham-Spaulding Rehabilitation. She is a national expert in health policy and is passionate about achieving the best long-term health outcomes for individuals with spinal cord injury and ensuring access to high-quality primary and specialty care for individuals with disability. Her clinical work centers around optimizing long-term health for individuals with paralysis and her research is focused on assessing functional outcomes following rehabilitation and systems of health care delivery across the post-acute care continuum. Dr. Slocum also leads Spaulding’s United Against Racism (UAR) process improvement initiative aimed at improving collection of health-related social needs (HRSN) data in clinical encounters. Dr. Slocum has published research on functional outcomes following traumatic spinal cord injury and has lectured nationally and internationally on topics ranging from spinal cord injury outcomes to health policy and payment reform to clinician well-being. Outside of work, Dr. Slocum enjoys reading, baking, and exploring new and historic spots for eating and hiking in and around Boston and New England with her family and friends.
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On November 22, 2024, the Spaulding-Harvard Traumatic Brain Injury Model System (SH-TBIMS) hosted a pivotal virtual summit, "Improving Access to Post-Acute Care for People with Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: A Call to Action." This summit brought together leaders in healthcare, research, and policy to address critical gaps in access to rehabilitation for people with severe TBI and work toward solutions for equitable care.
Summit Highlights
The SH-TBIMS Summit spotlighted:
- The State of the Science in TBI Recovery: Reviewing current research on recovery and outcome after severe TBI.
- Barriers to Care: Examining policies, like the “three-hour rule,” that limit access to inpatient rehabilitation, especially for individuals with disorders of consciousness.
- Pathways to Change: Showcasing effective partnerships and advocating for policy adjustments to increase rehabilitation access and improve long-term outcomes.
Why It Matters
Currently, fewer than 15% of individuals with severe TBI receive vital inpatient rehabilitation, often due to policy restrictions that inadvertently exclude those with the highest needs. The summit fostered dialogue and action toward health equity, ensuring that all individuals with TBI have a pathway to recovery.
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Complimentary Event
Leavitt Partners hosted a follow-up virtual workshop on December 4, 2024. The session delved deeper into the “three-hour rule,” its impact on care access, and evidence-based alternatives to better serve the TBI community.
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Spaulding Lecture Series
We are proud to highlight two recent lectures given at Spaulding Rehabilitation.
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SCI Lecture Series
Decentralized Autonomic Cardiovascular Control Following Spinal Cord Injury: Effects of Targeted Spinal Cord Stimulation?
From Jill Wecht, PhD
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PM&R Grand Rounds
Disorders of Consciousness, Disability Law, and the Ethical Mandate for Rehabilitation
From Joseph Fins, MD
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The ACS has released revised best practice guidelines for managing patients with one of the most complex and devastating conditions surgeons treat—traumatic brain injury (TBI). Globally, it is estimated that 50-60 million people experience TBI each year, costing the global economy the equivalent of $400 billion (USD).
The free resource, Best Practices Guidelines on the Management of Traumatic Brain Injury, is a comprehensive yet practical guide that was a collaboration between members of the ACS Committee on Trauma and specialists representing neurosurgery, emergency medicine, pediatrics, rehabilitation medicine, anesthesiology, radiology, pharmacology, and nurse partners from the US, Belgium, Canada, Colombia, Israel, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom including our very own Director of Rehabilitation Neuropsychology, Joseph Giacino, PhD.
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Edward Santos: Featured on the Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI) Blog
In a study published in the European Burn Journal, Edward Santos, the study's first author, sheds light on a critical but often overlooked issue—long-term balance impairments in burn survivors.
Key findings from the study include:
- 40% of burn survivors reported balance issues at discharge.
- 36% continued to experience balance problems even five years post-injury.
- Older age, unemployment at the time of injury, and outpatient therapy were linked to a higher likelihood of balance impairments at 12 months.
Edward explained, “our findings underscore the need for balance assessments and fall prevention efforts during inpatient and follow-up care to identify individuals who could benefit from targeted interventions."
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Introducing the LATE-TBI LAB | |
The Long-term Assessment and Treatment Exploration for TBI (LATE-TBI) Lab is dedicated to researching the long-term effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI), including chronic and neurodegenerative diseases, such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Our work aims to bridge the gap between bench and bedside, with the ultimate goal of developing effective treatments for TBI associated disease. We aim to identify novel diagnostic strategies and therapeutic targets to improve the lives of individuals affected by CTE, ALS, and related conditions. | |
| |  | Dr. Daniel Daneshvar, MD, Ph.D. conducts research on the long-term effects of moderate-severe traumatic brain injury, concussion, and repetitive head impacts. Dr. Daneshvar started the LATE-TBI Lab to identify innovative ways to improve recovery and quality of life for individuals experiencing the chronic and progressive changes following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Prior research has identified the risk factors associated with neurodegenerative disease following TBI, and sought to improve the clinical diagnosis of these diseases. Dr. Daneshvar has authored and co-authored over 70 scientific papers including in JAMA, Nature Communications, and Brain, and his work has been featured broadly including in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, NPR, and ESPN. He also founded Team Up Against Concussions, the first scientifically validated concussion education program for kids, for which he received the 2016 Excellence in Public Health award from the United States Public Health Services. He is the Director of the Institute for Brain Research and Innovation at TeachAids, which created CrashCourse: a free, scientifically validated virtual reality and computer-based concussion education program, for which he received the 2021 Dean’s Community Service Award from Harvard Medical School. Dr. Daneshvar received his SB from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and completed his MD/PhD at the Boston University CTE Center, where his research resulted in the first dissertation in history to study CTE.
Dr. Daneshvar recently published an exciting paper on the relationship between length of ice hockey career and CTE, which has been featured in NPR.
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Charlotte Luster recently joined the LATE-TBI Lab as a clinical research coordinator after receiving her degree in neuroscience from Middlebury College. Charlotte is passionate about the intersection between neuroscience and public health and is particularly interested in investigating the risk of TBI-associated disease among athletes competing in contact sports. She plans to attend medical school in the future. Outside of work, Charlotte enjoys spending time with family, telemark skiing, and hot yoga.
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Burn Ambassador Running in the 2025 Boston Marathon | |
Kaitlyn Chacon with the Boston-Harvard Burn Injury Model System and MKSTC burn ambassador will be running in the 129th Boston Marathon as part of the Spaulding Rehabilitation’s Race for Rehab charity program, that is fundraising for adaptive sports. She was inspired to take on the challenge by a burn survivor who ran the marathon many years ago and highlighted the importance of determination to keep moving forward, even in the face of adversity. To follow the story or support the cause please contact kaitlynchacon4@gmail.com.
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The 10-Year MGB Research Strategic Plan
Following a year of intensive development and significant feedback from the research community, Paul Anderson, MD, PhD – MGB Chief Academic Officer – and Allison Moriarty – SVP, Research Planning & Operations, and Innovation, presented the 10-year MGB Research Strategic Plan to the MGB Research Community on Wednesday, October 2, 2024. They reviewed overall priorities and the implementation work that will begin immediately.
READ THE FULL RESEARCH STRATEGIC PLAN
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Burn Survivors of New England (BSONE) is a community organization dedicated to providing hope, inspiration, and guidance to individuals at all stages of their burn recovery journey. Their peer support program creates a powerful space for connection, bringing together individuals who share a common bond through their burn experiences.
January 14th, marked a significant milestone for BSONE as they welcomed 20 burn survivors and their families in person, along with 12 joining virtually—a truly heartwarming turnout. Gina, BSONE President, attended for the first time and was thrilled to witness the group growing stronger. George Pessotti, peer supporter, may have shed a few tears of pride in as he listened to survivors share how his hospital visits and their first support group experiences impacted them. A proud Papa moment, indeed!
Moving forward, the Burn Support Group at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Charlestown will take place every second Tuesday of the month.
For the latest updates and more information about this event, visit the BSONE website
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February 2–8 marks Burn Awareness Week, a time dedicated to increasing public awareness about burn prevention and care. This year, the Boston- Harvard Burn Model System Team at Spaulding Rehabilitation will collaborate with the Mass General Hospital, Brigham and Women's Hospital burn units, and Burn Survivors of New England (BSONE) to spread important information about burn safety and recovery. Visit our information tables at:
- Mass General Hospital- Feb. 4
- Brigham and Women's Hospital- Feb. 5
- Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital- Feb. 6
Discover this year's theme and access downloadable templates, content, and more on the American Burn Association (ABA) website. Together, let's prioritize burn prevention and support those affected.
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Building Inclusive 988/Crisis Lifeline Systems State Policy Academy: Early Learnings
As states build robust 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline systems, there is a growing recognition that siloed service delivery systems often contribute to a lack of access to trauma-informed clinical and support services for individuals experiencing a crisis who have intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD), brain injuries, or cognitive impairments. This lack of access can lead to adverse outcomes, such as hospital emergency department use or admissions into settings that may exacerbate already difficult circumstances.
Join this webinar to hear from individuals who have experienced crises and learn how their states are building inclusive crisis response systems available to everyone.
Learn More Here
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DATE
January 27, 2025
TIME
2:00-3:30 p.m. ET
COST
Free
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BIA-MA Brain Injury Advocacy Day
February 4, 2025
Brain Injury Advocacy Day is a great opportunity for you to learn about BIA-MA’s legislative agenda, to meet with your legislators or their staff, to advocate for the needs of brain injury, and to view the “Unmasking Brain Injury” exhibit on the 4th Floor of the State House.
Register by Tuesday, January 28, 2025 in order to have BIA-MA make an appointment with your legislators for you. Those who don’t register prior to January 28th will be able to stop by legislators’ offices without scheduled appointments as a “walk in”.
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BIAA 2025 National Brain Injury Conference and Awareness Day
Each year, the Brain Injury Association of America and other key stakeholders host a Brain Injury Awareness Day on Capitol Hill during Brain Injury Awareness Month in March. This year, we are excited to announce that we are expanding this annual Awareness Day event to include a conference for brain injury survivors and caregivers.
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DATE
March 3-5, 2024
LOCATION
Washington, D.C.
COST
Registration fee: $35
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Building Inclusive 988/Crisis Lifeline Systems State Policy Academy: Early Learnings Webinar
States are enhancing 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline systems to address gaps in trauma-informed care for individuals with I/DD, brain injuries, or cognitive impairments, which can lead to adverse outcomes like emergency department visits.
ACL, The Link Center, and SAMHSA hosted a state policy academy to create inclusive, collaborative crisis response systems for all individuals, regardless of disability or communication needs.
Join this webinar to hear personal stories and learn how states are building these systems.
Live captioning and ASL interpretation will be available. For questions, email TheLinkCenter@nasddds.org. No registration required.
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DATE
January 27, 2025
TIME
2:00-3:30 p.m. ET
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Implementation of Health-Related Social Needs Screening in a Large Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility
Learning Health Systems Rehabilitation Research Network
Save the date for LeaRRn’s upcoming webinar. MGB Spaulding Rehabilitation LeaRRn scholar, Jennifer Oshita, PhD, CCC-SLP, and her site mentor, Chloe Slocum, MD, MPH will present on efforts to prepare for implementation of the CMS pay-for-reporting rule on health-related social needs that takes effect for inpatient rehabilitation facilities in 2026. Participants will gain insights to improve screening for social needs at their institutions.
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Date
March 11, 2025
Time
12:00 - 1:00PM ET
COST
Free
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Learning Health Systems Scientist Program
Learning Health System Scientists conduct research within a health system to improve the health-related quality of life of persons with disability and chronic conditions by addressing inequities in access to and quality of rehabilitation and long term services and supports. Employees of health systems or community organizations and academic faculty members are eligible to apply to be LHS Scientists.
Information Session
February 17, 2025 3:00 – 4:00 PM ET
Applications Due
March 21, 2025
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Brain Injury Association of America
The Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) established the National Brain Injury Information Center (NBIIC) to support individuals and families who experience the life-changing effects of brain injury. The compassionate, knowledgeable brain injury specialists at NBIIC offer user-friendly information about brain injury and assist those who reach out in locating the specific rehabilitative, legal, financial, and other support services critical to maximizing their individual recovery needs.
You may speak to a local brain injury specialist now by contacting BIAA’s National Brain Injury Information Center (NBIIC) at 1-800-444-6443.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE NBIIC
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Demystifying Disabilities: Fireside Chat with Emily Ladau Celebrates National Disability Employment Awareness Month
The Disability Employee Inclusion Alliance hosted an event on October 31st, 2024 at Spaulding Charlestown to celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Renowned author Emily Ladau, who penned "Demystifying Disability," and Dr. Cheri Blauwet, MD hosted a fireside chat followed by a book signing.
Emily Ladau is a passionate disability rights activist, writer, storyteller, and digital communications consultant whose career began at the age of 10, when she appeared on several episodes of Sesame Street to educate children about her life with a physical disability. Her writing has been published in outlets including The New York Times, CNN, Vice, and HuffPost and her first book, Demystifying Disability, was published by Ten Speed Press, an imprint of Penguin Random House, in September 2021. Emily has spoken before numerous audiences, from the U.S. Department of Education to the United Nations. Central to all of Emily’s work is harnessing the power of storytelling to engage people in learning about disability.
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New Unified Recovery and Monitoring Program (URAMP) for Licensed Health Professionals
Bureau of Health Professions Licensure
The Unified Recovery and Monitoring Program (URAMP) is a confidential, voluntary recovery and monitoring program for all 21 boards and professions overseen by the Bureau of Health Professions Licensure (BHPL).
LEARN MORE ABOUT URAMP
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Secure your financial future: Tools for people with disabilities
U.S. Department of Labor Blog
If you’re a person with a disability who is looking to secure your financial future, you’re not alone. You might be asking: Can I work if I receive SSI or SSDI? How can I save money I am earning from my new job? Can I use my ABLE account for things I buy to go to work? What do I do about healthcare if I lose my job? The U.S. Department of Labor has a financial toolkit that can help. The Secure Your Financial Future toolkit, jointly developed by the Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) and the Office of Disability Employment Policy, is an up-to-date repository of financial literacy tools and resources beneficial to all Americans, including individuals with disabilities, striving to achieve financial stability. We all need clear and accurate information to secure our financial well-being.
EXPLORE THE TOOLKIT
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Nike Just Made a Better Backpack for Every Body
In the spring of 2022, Nike Lead Equipment Designer Brent Radewald met with Ramsay — now a Senior Footwear Developer — to show him a prototype of a new backpack developed for the brand’s Paralympic athletes ahead of Paris 2024.
The goal: take maybe the most purely functional piece of equipment that exists, the backpack, and make it easy for all athletes to use. Easy to open. Easy to close. Easy to stay secure.
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Secretary Buttigieg Announces Sweeping Protections for Airline Passengers with Disabilities
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued new protections for people with disabilities in commercial air travel that will ensure that they can fly safely and with dignity.
The new final rule requires that airlines meet more rigorous standards for accommodating passengers with disabilities, especially for passengers who use wheelchairs
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Building Inclusive Play: The LEGO Group Announces New Initiatives to Support Fans and Colleagues with Non-visible Disabilities, Conditions and Sensory Needs
To mark this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the LEGO Group introduces a wave of new initiatives designed to support and celebrate fans and colleagues with disabilities, conditions and sensory needs that aren’t immediately apparent.
The company is partnering with Hidden Disabilities Sunflower to create awareness through LEGO products; supported by employee training.
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