Southeastern Regional Spinal Cord Injury Care System – Atlanta, GA

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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. 

Southeastern Regional Spinal Cord Injury Care System – Atlanta, GA The Southeastern Regional SCI Model System at Shepherd Center is the largest of the country’s 14 Model Systems of Care for spinal cord injury. Shepherd Center has formulated and tested many projects that are now part of programs offered to patients, including: vocational services, peer support groups, community outreach, an advocacy program, a spinal cord injury prevention program and the Adventure Skills Workshop. Shepherd Center is dedicated to collaborating heavily with other systems; and to establishing a line of research on quality of life, adjustment to injury, secondary complications and community reintegration issues.