Sixty Years of Restoring Independence: Rehabilitation Institute at Sinai Celebrates Milestone Anniversary
With a new name and expanded vision, the institute builds on legacy and leadership in helping individuals rebuild their lives after illness or injury
Baltimore – As Sinai Hospital concludes a month of anniversary activities honoring its rehabilitation medicine programs, it is celebrating 60 years of excellence in clinical care, research, education and advocacy with a new name that reflects the depth and breadth of its expertise: the Rehabilitation Institute at Sinai.
Founded in 1965 by B. Stanley Cohen, M.D., the newly renamed institute (formerly the Sinai Rehabilitation Center) has grown from a regional provider into a nationally recognized leader in physical medicine and rehabilitation. Over six decades, physicians, therapists and researchers have advanced patient care, trained future leaders, shaped policy and helped thousands of individuals regain independence after illness, injury or surgery.
“Everything we do is focused on helping patients maximize their recovery – physically and psychologically – so they can return to the lives they love,” says Scott Brown, M.D., chairman emeritus of the Rehabilitation Institute at Sinai. “Whether it’s our clinical expertise, teaching, research or advocacy, our commitment is always to innovation that improves outcomes for patients.”
Legacy of Innovation, Commitment to Patients
From its earliest years, the Rehabilitation Institute at Sinai has introduced programs and initiatives that have shaped rehabilitation medicine, including:
- Launching vocational rehabilitation and workforce development programs.
- Establishing medically supervised fitness programs that evolved into LifeBridge Health & Fitness.
- Opening the Louis and Phyllis Friedman Neurological Rehabilitation Center, home to the RESTORE! Inpatient Brain Rehabilitation Program and RETURN! Community Re-entry Program.
- Founding the Anil Bhave Biomechanics & Engineering Labs (ABBEL) Research Division, which uses state-of-the-art technology – from 3D printing to motion analysis – to advance patient care and medical innovation.
Today, the institute is powered by a team of more than 200 professionals, including 15 board-certified physiatrists, 52 certified brain injury specialists, 36 clinical instructors and dozens of therapists with advanced certifications in specialties ranging from stroke and orthopedics to Parkinson’s disease and neonatal rehabilitation.
The institute’s impact extends beyond clinical care:
- Education: Training more than 100 students annually, including residents, medical students and post-graduate therapists.
- Research: Driving 16 active research projects, eight quality improvement initiatives and collaborations across engineering, neuroscience and rehabilitation.
- Advocacy: Serving in leadership roles on statewide and national associations and advancing legislation such as the “So Everyone Can Move Act” to expand access to prosthetic and orthotic care.
Earlier this month, during National Rehabilitation Awareness Week (Sept. 14–20), the institute highlighted its clinical expertise and celebrated the dedication of its highly credentialed team. The Rehabilitation Institute at Sinai is also accredited by the Commission for the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), underscoring its commitment to the highest standards of personalized, effective care.
Honoring Leadership and Looking Ahead
The 60th anniversary also marks a transition in leadership. Dr. Brown, who has led the department for nearly 25 years, recently stepped down as department chair while continuing as medical director of the Limb Loss Rehabilitation Program and ongoing research initiatives. Under his leadership, the institute has become a hub for clinical, academic and research excellence, and he was recently honored with the LifeBridge Health Care Bravely Award for Innovation.
“As we close this anniversary month, we are proud to celebrate the extraordinary legacy of the Rehabilitation Institute at Sinai,” says Amy Shlossman, president of Sinai Hospital. “For 60 years, this team has combined clinical excellence, innovation and compassion to help patients reclaim their lives. Just as importantly, we are looking ahead to the next chapter—building on this proud history with bold ideas and extraordinary talent that will continue to shape the future of rehabilitation medicine.”
Celebrating 60 Years, Building the Future
Throughout September, the Rehabilitation Institute at Sinai has marked its 60th anniversary with activities celebrating its extraordinary legacy of clinical excellence, education, research and advocacy. As the anniversary month comes to a close, the institute is looking ahead to the next chapter in advancing patient-centered, innovative care. For more information about the Rehabilitation Institute at Sinai, visit https://www.lifebridgehealth.org/rehabilitation-institute-at-sinai
About LifeBridge Health
LifeBridge Health is one of the largest, most comprehensive providers of health services in Maryland. LifeBridge Health includes Sinai Hospital of Baltimore, Northwest Hospital, Carroll Hospital, Levindale, Grace Medical Center and related subsidiaries and affiliates. For more information, visit www.lifebridgehealth.org
Contact
Sharon Boston, lbhmedia@lifebridgehealth.org, 410-601-2296