TIRR Journal Winter 2024 Edition Cover photo

TIRR Journal Winter 2024


TIRR Journal Winter 2024 Edition Cover photo

Our clinicians innovate in every patient interaction, and our researchers are leading the way in the use of advanced therapies. We are creating an innovation hub, an incubator to accelerate progress i...

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Former patient at TIRR Memorial Hermann, Brando Ray, plays guitar on stage.

Brandon’s Story: Playing Music Once Again


Former patient at TIRR Memorial Hermann, Brando Ray, plays guitar on stage.

After several strokes took Brandon's voice, with the love and support of his wife and personalized help from the specialists at TIRR Memorial Hermann, he has found his voice again and is sharing it on...

Read Brandon's Story
  • Left to right: Mark and Karen Edelman, Rhonda Abbott, Todd and Sylvia Riff and Carl Josehart

    TIRR Memorial Hermann Recognized for Advocacy Work by Alexander JFS

    TIRR Memorial Hermann has received the prestigious Community Investment Award from Alexander Jewish Family Service (Alexander JFS), a 110-year-old social service agency that serves people of all faiths and backgrounds and is dedicated to transforming the lives of individuals, families and communities in the Houston area.

    TIRR Memorial Hermann has received the prestigious Community Investment Award from Alexander Jewish Family Service (Alexander JFS), a 110-year-old social service agency that serves people of all faiths and backgrounds and is dedicated to transforming the lives of individuals, families and communities in the Houston area.

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  • Rhonda M. Abbott, PT, FACHE the senior vice president and CEO at TIRR Memorial Hermann.

    National Designation Will Preserve Future of Rehabilitation Care

    The passage of legislation naming TIRR Memorial Hermann as a national rehabilitation innovation center reflects the culmination of more than a decade of advocacy work and will allow for the preservation of cutting-edge rehabilitation for generations to come, officials with the health system say.

    The passage of legislation naming TIRR Memorial Hermann as a national rehabilitation innovation center reflects the culmination of more than a decade of advocacy work and will allow for the preservation of cutting-edge rehabilitation for generations to come, officials with the health system say.

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  • ReelAbilities Festival performances open doors for the next generation of musicians with disabilities because they break down barriers.

    ReelAbilities Festival Promotes Accessibility and Inclusion

    The ReelAbilities Houston Film and Arts Festival, a three-week event that showcases the lives, stories and talents of people with disabilities, uses film, arts, music and educational initiatives to change the culture of Houston's workplaces, places of faith and organizations and to promote inclusion and accessibility for all.

    The ReelAbilities Houston Film and Arts Festival, a three-week event that showcases the lives, stories and talents of people with disabilities, uses film, arts, music and educational initiatives to change the culture of Houston's workplaces, places of faith and organizations and to promote inclusion and accessibility for all.

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  • Dr. Christopher Falco

    Neurobehavioral Program Reduces Use of Restraints, Improves Recovery for Patients with ABI

    When patients begin the program, they are often under physical restraint and are taking multiple medications that were previously “necessary but are probably hampering their ability to participate in their rehab programs and make functional gains,” Dr. Harik notes.

    When patients begin the program, they are often under physical restraint and are taking multiple medications that were previously “necessary but are probably hampering their ability to participate in their rehab programs and make functional gains,” Dr. Harik notes.

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  • Imaging scan of brain

    Patient Overcomes Behavioral Challenges After Intracerebral Hemorrhage

    Elroy’s aggression was almost exclusively related to his desire to leave and was rarely directed at staff; when not agitated, he was playful and friendly and appeared to enjoy socializing with staff. In all, he was admitted to the neurobehavioral program for less than three weeks.

    Elroy’s aggression was almost exclusively related to his desire to leave and was rarely directed at staff; when not agitated, he was playful and friendly and appeared to enjoy socializing with staff. In all, he was admitted to the neurobehavioral program for less than three weeks.

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  • John Bertini, MD

    Prominent Urologists Stepping Back From Clinical Work

    The Urology Department at TIRR Memorial Hermann is undergoing a few changes in 2024, with John Bertini, MD, and James Harris, MD, each taking a step back, but not completely retiring, from clinical work.

    The Urology Department at TIRR Memorial Hermann is undergoing a few changes in 2024, with John Bertini, MD, and James Harris, MD, each taking a step back, but not completely retiring, from clinical work.

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  • Dr. Shannon Juengst, PhD, CRC

    TIRR Memorial Hermann Researchers Lead Study of Digital Problem-Solving Training for Traumatic Brain Injury

    New research being conducted by the Brain Injury Research Center (BIRC) at TIRR Memorial Hermann is investigating the utility of electronic problem-solving training (PST) for improving mental health and well-being of individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI).

    New research being conducted by the Brain Injury Research Center (BIRC) at TIRR Memorial Hermann is investigating the utility of electronic problem-solving training (PST) for improving mental health and well-being of individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI).

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  • Susan Robinson-Whelen

    TIRR Memorial Hermann-Led Study Looks into Abuse Among Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury

    Researchers at TIRR Memorial Hermann’s Spinal Cord Injury and Disability Research Center (SCIDR) have received funding from the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) to conduct a detailed study of interpersonal violence and its effects on psychosocial health in men and women with spinal cord injuries (SCI). The study is being conducted in collaboration with researchers at the University of Montana and UTHealth Houston.

    Researchers at TIRR Memorial Hermann’s Spinal Cord Injury and Disability Research Center (SCIDR) have received funding from the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) to conduct a detailed study of interpersonal violence and its effects on psychosocial health in men and women with spinal cord injuries (SCI). The study is being conducted in collaboration with researchers at the University of Montana and UTHealth Houston.

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  • Gerard Francisco

    Message From the Chief Medical Officer

    At TIRR Memorial Hermann, our care services go beyond rehabilitation. Ultimately, our goal is community reintegration following hospital discharge, meaning that patients continue their recovery as active, engaged members of the larger community.

    At TIRR Memorial Hermann, our care services go beyond rehabilitation. Ultimately, our goal is community reintegration following hospital discharge, meaning that patients continue their recovery as active, engaged members of the larger community.

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  • Argyrios Stampas

    TIRR Memorial Hermann Researchers Assess the Impact of Opioid Exposure on Patients with SCI

    Pain due to spinal cord injury (SCI) reduces patient quality of life and can be difficult to treat. Opioids are an effective tool for managing neuropathic pain, but research in animal models suggests that opioids may do more harm than good in patients with SCI. An ongoing research project at TIRR Memorial Hermann is exploring the impact of opioid exposure on patients recovering from the condition.

    Pain due to spinal cord injury (SCI) reduces patient quality of life and can be difficult to treat. Opioids are an effective tool for managing neuropathic pain, but research in animal models suggests that opioids may do more harm than good in patients with SCI. An ongoing research project at TIRR Memorial Hermann is exploring the impact of opioid exposure on patients recovering from the condition.

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  • Rhonda Abbott

    Message from the CEO

    Throughout its more than 60-year history, TIRR Memorial Hermann has taken a unique approach to patient care and research that goes beyond the four walls of the hospital and into the communities we serve.

    Throughout its more than 60-year history, TIRR Memorial Hermann has taken a unique approach to patient care and research that goes beyond the four walls of the hospital and into the communities we serve.

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  • TIRR Memorial Hermann patient shown performing task-specific therapy

    Paired VNS Approach Yields Marked Improvement in Upper Arm, Hand Function in Stroke Patients

    Integrating vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) into a home exercise program produces significant improvements in arm and hand function among chronic ischemic stroke survivors, safely and with minimal side effects, according to a study led by researchers at TIRR Memorial Hermann.

    Integrating vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) into a home exercise program produces significant improvements in arm and hand function among chronic ischemic stroke survivors, safely and with minimal side effects, according to a study led by researchers at TIRR Memorial Hermann.

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  • Dr.  Farhaan Vahidy, PhD

    Profile in Caring: Vahidy Assumes Leadership Role as AVP for Research and Chief Scientific Officer

    For Farhaan S. Vahidy, PhD, MBBS, MPH, FAHA, his appointment last summer to dual leadership positions at TIRR Memorial Hermann represents an exciting new chapter in his career-long quest to improve the quality of life for individuals living with disabilities.

    For Farhaan S. Vahidy, PhD, MBBS, MPH, FAHA, his appointment last summer to dual leadership positions at TIRR Memorial Hermann represents an exciting new chapter in his career-long quest to improve the quality of life for individuals living with disabilities.

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  • Peggy Turner, CTRS

    Adapted Sports Program Honored for Augmenting Rehabilitative Care

    Peggy Turner, CTRS, who is the athletics community liaison and adapted sports coordinator at TIRR Memorial Hermann, doesn’t see the accolades as highlighting her specifically, but rather as an affirmation of the powerful tool that sports can be in the rehabilitative process.

    Peggy Turner, CTRS, who is the athletics community liaison and adapted sports coordinator at TIRR Memorial Hermann, doesn’t see the accolades as highlighting her specifically, but rather as an affirmation of the powerful tool that sports can be in the rehabilitative process.

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  • Cindy Ivanhoe

    McGovern Distinguished Faculty Award for Physiatrist's Clinical Service

    Cindy B. Ivanhoe, MD, the director of TIRR Memorial Hermann’s Spasticity and Associated Syndromes of Movement (SPASM) program, has been awarded the 2022-2023 John P. and Kathrine G. McGovern Distinguished Faculty Award from the Women Faculty Forum of McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston.

    Cindy B. Ivanhoe, MD, the director of TIRR Memorial Hermann’s Spasticity and Associated Syndromes of Movement (SPASM) program, has been awarded the 2022-2023 John P. and Kathrine G. McGovern Distinguished Faculty Award from the Women Faculty Forum of McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston.

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2024
US News and World Report Best Hospitals Badge

Nationally Ranked Rehabilitation


For the 35th consecutive year, TIRR Memorial Hermann is recognized as the best rehabilitation hospital in Texas and No. 2 in the nation according to U.S. News and World Report's "Best Rehabilitation Hospitals" in America.

Learn more about TIRR Memorial Hermann rankings