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MRC News

Published on May 2, 2007
Susan Christensen
Health and Research News Service

JACKSON, Miss.--Methodist Rehabilitation Center in Jackson recently honored six researchers for their contributions to the field of rehabilitation medicine.

Dr. Jae Lee, Dr. Samuel T. Gontkovsky and Dr. Risa Nakase-Richardson were each awarded the title of “scientist” for work that includes:

  • Producing at least 12 peer-reviewed publications
  • Making at least 20 presentations at scientific meetings
  • Serving as co-investigator for three or more extramural grants.

A neuropsychologist at Methodist Rehab, Dr. Gontkovsky also teaches at the University of Mississippi Medical Center and Jackson State University. His research centers on psycho-social adjustment after spinal cord injury. He has published 40 manuscripts, four book chapters and eight book reviews.

A staff neuropsychologist at Methodist Rehab, Dr. Nakase-Richardson is director of the Traumatic Brain Injury Model System of Mississippi and assistant director of the Methodist Rehab/University of Mississippi Medical Center Postdoctoral Neuropsychology Fellowship Consortium. Her research centers on neurobehavioral functioning after brain injury. She has published 20 papers and two book chapters.

The recipient of a doctoral degree in quantitative research methods, Dr. Lee’s research centers on quality of life after neurological injury, health outcome measurements and evaluation of health services. He has published 18 manuscripts.

The hospital’s Research Council also recognized Dr. Samuel Grissom, Dr. Clea Evans and Dr. Chad Vickery for earning the title of “investigator” for making at least six presentations at scientific meetings and publishing at least three peer-reviewed articles.

Dr. Grissom is medical director of the spinal cord injury program at Methodist Rehab. His research centers on spinal cord injury management and spasticity, and he has published seven manuscripts.

A staff neuropsychologist at Methodist Rehab, Dr. Evans is also on the faculty of the MRC/UMC Postdoctoral Neuropsychology Fellowship Consortium. Her research centers on interventions and outcomes after stroke and traumatic brain injury. She has published three manuscripts.

Dr. Vickery is also a staff neuropsychologist at Methodist Rehab. His research centers on emotional functioning and self-esteem after stroke, and he has published five manuscripts.