Letter From the Editor, Monique R. Pappadis
Monique R. Pappadis, MEd, PhD
Dear Moving Ahead Readers:
This has been a year for the history books! We all have been affected by the global pandemic, COVID-19, which disproportionally affects both our most vulnerable and marginalized populations. Many acute hospitals and rehabilitation facilities halted or reduced services, experienced increased COVID-19 related admissions, or operated with a reduced workforce, which resulted in significant financial implications. Some of us have lost loved ones during this time. Many of us have helped to provide support to our loved ones and friends who are unemployed and worried about losing their homes or having money to buy their next meal. We have created workstations in our homes, and some have assumed the role of educator for their school-aged children. In addition, we have finally submitted manuscripts that have been in draft mode for way too long.
Now, we are all learning to prepare for a virtual 2020 Annual Conference – VIRTUAL!! No more finishing slides in your hotel room. Slides and our recordings were done at least one month before the meeting. I am excited of the possibility of a virtual meeting, which pushes all of us outside of our comfort zone. If you have not already, please register for the Annual Conference. BI-ISIG members have made outstanding contributions to rehabilitation medicine and recognized as leaders in rehabilitation, education, services, and/or administration. The BI-ISIG is a very productive group of amazing individuals. You all deserve recognition for your hard work and passion for service in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Congrats to you all!
It is sad to say that this is my last issue as Editor of Moving Ahead. I am thankful for the opportunity to support the future Editor, Mary Beth Russell, DO, and the Media Committee, as Contributing Editor at the close of the 2020 Annual Conference. I look forward to seeing the directions she takes Moving Ahead. I am grateful for all Kristine Kingsley, PsyD, ABPP-Rp shared with me, and the opportunities to highlight everyone’s amazing contributions and accomplishments.
In this 2020 Summer/Fall issue of Moving Ahead, we share:
- How COVID-19 has affected our future and past leaders of the BI-ISIG Executive Committee
- New research on understanding care patterns and improving transitional care as adults and older adults transition back into the community after brain injury
- Three BI-ISIG members who have made significant contributions to research and rehabilitation
- Three emerging leaders who are on a path to become future leaders in brain injury
- How Dr. Dawn Neumann’s work embodies the spirt of Dr. Joshua B. Cantor
- An announcement of our five 2020 BI-ISIG Scholarship Recipients who will attend the virtual conference
- Up close and personal with Drs. Angela Colantonio and Lance Trexler as the 2020 BIAA Award recipients
This issue of Moving Ahead would not be possible without the support and dedication of the Media Committee – Mary Russell, DO, MS, CLCP (Associate Editor), Ghazala Saleem, EdD, MS, OTR/L (Web Associate Editor), Michelle Smith, MPH (Social Media Editor) and Nicci Kuhl, OTD, OTR/L, CBIS (Contributing Editor). Sincerest thanks and appreciation goes to the ACRM staff members, Terri Compos, Cindy Robinson, and Signy Roberts for their continued support.
I share two beautiful quotes to inspire you all to finish 2020 strong:
“If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
“I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right temporarily defeated is stronger than evil triumphant. I believe… there is still hope for a brighter tomorrow” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Monique R. Pappadis, MEd, PhD
Communications Officer, BI-ISIG
Editor, Moving Ahead
Assistant Professor, Division of Rehabilitation Sciences
University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) at Galveston
Co-Investigator, Brain Injury Research Center
TIRR Memorial Hermann
