MJ Ellis Distinguished Lecture Series, 2004

"Computers and Stroke Rehabilitation: What is the Future for Rehabilitation?"

April 19th, 3:00 - 4:30 pm (reception to follow)
Huff Hall Auditorium

Michael Weinrich, M.D.

Director, National Center for Medical Rehabilitation
Bethesda, Maryland

Abstract

Aphasia is the loss of language due to acquired brain injury. Dr. Weinrich's lecture will trace the development of our understanding of aphasia and therapeutic tools for treatment. The construction of computerized tools for aphasia treatment will be discussed. This discussion will serve as a case study for a more general discussion of the growing needs for rehabilitation services in the United States and the future of rehabilitation research.

Biography

Michael Weinrich is Director of the National Center for Rehabilitation Research in the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development at NIH. He graduated magna cum laude from Harvard College and received his medical degree from Harvard Medical School. Dr. Weinrich trained in medicine and neurology at the University of Chicago Hospitals and Clinics and in neurophysiology at the National Institutes of Health. While on the faculty at Stanford University, he developed a computer system to help stroke patients recover speech and language. He was recruited to the University of Maryland to develop a rehabilitation program. He served on the Maryland faculty as Professor of Neurology and Medical Director of the University of Maryland Rehabilitation System until January 2000 when he moved to the NIH.