A beacon of hope, the Emory University Center for Rehabilitation Medicine stands here. It is a place where cutting-edge research meets compassionate care. Emory University Center for Rehabilitation Medicine is dedicated to restoring lives.
The Emory University School of Medicine’s Department of Rehabilitation Medicine is consistently ranked among the top programs in the country. It boasts a multidisciplinary team. This team includes faculty, researchers, clinicians, administrative staff, and trainees. They are all dedicated to patient care. They develop future physicians and scientists. They innovate through clinical research.
Emory University Center for Rehabilitation Medicine has a rich history. The Department of Rehabilitation Medicine was established in 1946. Robert L. Bennett Jr., MD, became the first chairman. He held the position for 21 years.
In 1965, the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation was created. Miesczylaw Peszcynski, MD, replaced Dr. Bennett. A 22-bed Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation ward opened at Grady Memorial Hospital in 1966.
Plans for construction on Emory’s campus were approved in 1974. Funding was assured for a $7.5 million structure. It would have six floors, 56 inpatient beds and areas for outpatient care. It would also have training activities for rehabilitation medicine.
Construction began on the Emory Rehabilitation Center in 1975. The first outpatients were treated there in 1976. The structure was completed. Staff movement was initiated. The Departments of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Nursing were established. Dr. Bennett began serving as the Residency Program Director for Rehabilitation Medicine.
The first inpatients were admitted in 1977. They were on the third floor. They received rehabilitation and pain management. The departments of Occupational Therapy, Social Services, Dietetics, Vocational Rehabilitation and Communicative Disorders were established.
The first clinical psychologist joined the staff in 1979. CRM received its first accreditation in 1980. Recreation Therapy began. The fourth floor opened in 1982. It increased bed capacity from 32 to 56.
The first neuropsychologist joined the staff in 1984. The first patient was admitted to the Head Injury Module in 1985. Emory’s Health Enhancement Program expanded to CRM in 1986. It helped with early phases of cardiac rehabilitation.
Brigitte Jann, MD, served as acting department chair in 1995. She was the first female chair. Dale C. Strasser, MD, was named interim department chair in 1997. His interim title was removed in 1999. He became the permanent Rehabilitation Medicine department chair.
William Casarella, MD, served as acting department chairman in 2005. David Burke, MD, was named the ninth department chair in 2007.
Emory Rehabilitation Hospital was named the No. 1 rehabilitation hospital in Georgia in 2021. This recognition highlights the hospital’s commitment.
Emory University Center for Rehabilitation Medicine continues to shape the future of rehabilitation medicine. It fosters innovation and provides hope for countless individuals. It is a place where science and compassion converge. The center offers new possibilities for recovery and a better quality of life.