DOWNEY - Mindy Lipson Aisen, MD, has been appointed Chief Medical Officer (CMO) at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center in Downey.Aisen brings an extensive career in clinical rehabilitation, neurological rehabilitation research and rehabilitation research administration to the post, where she will lead a team of clinicians known internationally for pioneering work in rehabilitation medicine for more than 50 years. "Throughout her career, Dr. Aisen has distinguished herself as a talented physician and passionate advocate for people with disabilities," said Jorge Orozco, CEO of Rancho. "As chief medical officer, she will work across Rancho's highly specialized clinical practices to drive new research and the clinical innovation that has always been the hallmark of the hospital." Aisen most recently served as director and chief executive officer of the Cerebral Palsy International Research Foundation (CPIRF), where she led efforts to increase visibility for cerebral palsy. She concurrently served on the faculty as adjunct professor in the Department of Neurology at Georgetown University's School of Medicine. "Dr. Aisen brought both energy and commitment to the mission of CPIRF, in addition to her medical expertise," Paul A. Volcker, board chairman of CPIRF, said in a statement. "While we will miss her as CEO, we wish her well in her future endeavors, and know that she will bring the same level of dedication to her new position." CPIRF board president James Stearns added: "Dr. Aisen was especially successful in international efforts and in integrating the use of adaptive devices, including robotics, into the Foundation's research mission." Previously, Aisen served as national director of rehabilitation research and director of the technology transfer department of the Veterans Affairs headquarters in Washington, D.C. and held clinical and academic positions at Cornell University Medical College, Burke Rehabilitation Hospital and New York Hospital. She has served on the boards of the American Society of Neurorehabilitation, the American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine, the American Academy of Neurology, the National Institute of Child Health, and the Rehabilitation Engineering Society of North America. She has also presented at more than 35 professional meetings and conferences, provided peer review of journal publications, and authored or co-authored 45 books, chapters and editorials. "Dr. Aisen's appointment enhances the stature of the department and underscores our ability to attract top clinicians and researchers who share our mission of caring for the county's vulnerable populations," said Dr. Robert Splawn, interim chief medical officer for Los Angeles County's Department of Health Services. Aisen is certified in neurology and neurorehabilitation with the American Board of Neurology and Psychiatry and the American Society of Neurorehabilitation, and holds active medical licenses with the states of New York and California.

********** Published: July 31, 2009 - Volume 8 - Issue 15