Pioneering Progress: TIRR Memorial Hermann Redefines Research in Rehabilitation

At a time of national uncertainty in research funding and health care priorities, TIRR Memorial Hermann—together with Memorial Hermann Rehabilitation Hospital-Katy and the Memorial Hermann Rehabilitation Network—is doubling down on its enduring commitment to advancing rehabilitation science.

This renewed focus stems from a core belief: Every patient deserves the highest standard of care, access to innovative therapeutic modalities and achievement of best possible outcomes. “We want to have the best patient outcomes and experiences for every person who comes through our doors, we want to create healthy communities for generations to come,” says Farhaan S. Vahidy, PhD, MBBS, MPH, FAHA, associate vice president of research and chief scientific officer at TIRR Memorial Hermann. “That is our core value.”

Despite a smaller number of affiliated investigators, TIRR Memorial Hermann’s scholarly output remains exceptional, boasting a 40% higher research productivity index, a metric based on the number of publications per individual contributor than peer institutions. Between 2023 and 2024, the health system saw 34% growth in research productivity, significantly outpacing a 16% to 17% growth rate of the two closest national rehabilitation science institutions.

Last year, the research leadership team launched its RISE framework—a strategic blueprint that defines TIRR Memorial Hermann’s research identity:

• Research that transforms rehabilitation science and care
• Innovation that propels technology and clinical excellence
• Service, Advocacy and Policy that shape the health care landscape
• Education that develops tomorrow’s leaders

“Our research agenda is intentionally aligned with the needs of persons living with disabilities,” says Dr. Vahidy. “Every decision, from what questions we pursue to how we fund and scale ideas, is guided by our responsibility to this community.”

Through this value-driven model, not only is TIRR Memorial Hermann delivering results, it is cultivating the future of rehabilitation by training the next generation of scientists, clinicians and innovators. “We are preparing a workforce today that will carry this torch forward,” Dr. Vahidy says.