South Florida Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems – University of Miami Miller School of Medicine

What's in this section:

Fourteen hospitals across the United States have been identified by the National Institute on Disability Rehabilitation and Research (NIDRR) as Spinal Cord Injury Model System Hospitals. Each of these provides an excellent “system of care” that incorporates the latest findings of research and education in spinal cord injury treatment and recovery, including rehabilitation.

Spinal Cord Injury Model System Hospitals are actively involved in cutting-edge research to develop innovative treatment and evaluate service delivery for comprehensive spinal cord injury medical care.  Innovations from Model System hospitals range from discovering new clinical interventions and methods of treatment, new pharmaceutical interventions, experimental interventions, such as stem cell implantation and electrical stimulation, to developing assistive technology, such as voice- recognition and other computer adaptations, manual and electric wheelchairs designed to reduce contractures and minimize pressure sores, use of robotics such as exoskeleton mobility devices, artificial intelligence to enhance communication, and other products that promote independence and enhance quality of life. 

Model System Hospitals also conduct a variety of clinical trials and interventional clinical studies to test the use of new drugs, medical devices, clinical procedures, and other activities to improve functionality and daily living for individuals with spinal cord injuries. Activities at the Model System Hospitals are listed below, as well as information on how to be part of a spinal cord clinical study registry so you can stay apprised of new studies and research findings. Learn more about the eligibility criteria for clinical trial participants. 

South Florida Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems – University of Miami Miller School of Medicine The South Florida Spinal Cord Injury Model System is operated by the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine’s Department of Rehabilitation Medicine. This CARF-accredited in-patient rehabilitation program provides a comprehensive multidisciplinary team of physiatrists, physical and occupational therapists, psychologists, rehabilitation nurses, and other rehabilitation specialists. The program is based at Jackson Memorial Hospital, a 1,500 bed Level I trauma hospital. After completion of in-patient rehabilitation, spinal cord injury patients often continue with out-patient therapy and receive life-long out-patient medical care in the program’s Spinal Cord Injury clinics. The program is actively involved in clinical research and also maintains a close relationship with the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis to ensure unique opportunities for improving health and wellness and additional opportunities to participate in research studies.