What is the “Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems” program? - David Chen, MD

In the United States, for over 30 years, the federal government has supported a clinical research program called the Model Systems of Spinal Cord Injury Programs. And what this is a program that has designated certain centers around the country, who have exemplified excellent care for individuals with spinal cord injury, but also have been on the forefront of doing innovative research, either on conditions related to persons who have had spinal cord injuries, or on potential treatments for persons with spinal cord injury. So these generally tend to be larger centers, who have treated large numbers of individuals with spinal cord injury, that are doing cutting-edge research on secondary conditions of spinal cord injury, and on now, today, treatments that may potentially enhance neurologic recovery in individuals with spinal cord injury. If one was interested in looking for what centers are currently a part of the Model Systems Program, they can go to the Internet, and look for National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, which is the sponsoring agency for the Model Systems Program. And by looking on their website, they can find out what are the current Model Systems Centers in the country.