NorCal SCI returns to John Muir Medical Center to connect with the Rehab Staff

NorCal SCI co-founder, Nick Struthers, was invited by Nancy Gibbs, the Rehab Clinical Nurse Educator, to present to the Rehab Team leaders at the John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek.  "The California spring colors in the surrounding countryside made the location and the buildings of the John Muir Medical campus even more impressive," writes Nick.

The Roof Top Rehab Gardens

I was excited to meet the rehab team leaders and I enjoyed a coffee with Nancy before heading up to the rehab floor where I met the rest of the team.  John Muir has an entire floor dedicated to in-patient rehabilitation and provides acute rehab for a modest number of SCI patients every year. They were enthusiastic to connect with NorCal SCI in order to have another perspective of the environment their patients will encounter when they return to the community after their stay at John Muir. I was able to describe our own programs as well as share our research and knowledge of organizations and services available to the newly injured.  Dr. Steve Young, a surgeon at John Muir, also joined us at the meeting.  Dr. Young has a unique perspective as he himself suffered an SCI two years ago and experienced significant return of function which has allowed him to continue his work as a surgeon.

Back row, L to R: Sid Hsu, Angela Cragg, Nancy Gibbs, Dr. Young, Nick.
Front row, L to R: April Mundy, Jeryn Blair, Yelena Babayeva

I was able to leave a number of our Care Packages for the current SCI patients at John Muir and NorCal SCI will always be available to do anything we can to support the past, present and future SCI patients there.

It was great to see Dr. Young again as he has had an incredible journey since his mountain bike accident in April 2016 and I would like to thank Nancy Gibbs for her hospitality. NorCal SCI is excited about continuing our relationship with the staff at John Muir and doing whatever we can to support their SCI patients.