October 25, 2007
Lincoln, NE – Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital has promoted Judith M. Burnfield, PhD, PT, to director of the Institute for Rehabilitation Science and Engineering. Burnfield will lead the research and technology programs of Madonna’s three Centers for Excellence: Communication, Movement and Neurosciences, and Clinical Informatics.
Burnfield brings 20 years of advanced rehabilitation research and practice. She has served in faculty positions at the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles, Mount St. Mary’s College in Los Angeles, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Neb, and Creighton University, also in Omaha.
Before joining Madonna, Burnfield was a leading researcher for Los Amigos Research and Education Institute in Downey, Calif, and served as a research physical therapist and interim director of the physical therapy department of Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center.
Burnfield earned her doctoral degree in biokinesiology from USC and completed her post doctoral training with Jacquelin Perry, MD, ScD (hon), in the Pathokinesiology Laboratory at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center. Burnfield earned a bachelor of science degree, cum laude, from State University of New York, Buffalo, NY
Burnfield has published numerous journal articles and has provided presentations across the country and internationally regarding analysis of gait dysfunction, rehabilitation technology and research. This year, she received a $598,000 grant to develop a new exercise therapy device and control system to help individuals with physical limitations improve walking ability, physical fitness, and quality of life.
“Madonna is a jewel among rehabilitation hospitals,” Burnfield says. “Patients at Madonna are getting the benefits of cutting-edge research today, instead of having to wait for studies being done elsewhere.”
According to a news release from Madonna, Burnfield plans to expand national research collaborations, and position Madonna to successfully compete for additional federal grants. “The Research Institute is a living lab where researchers share their knowledge, collaborate with colleagues from around the country and work with patients to develop new strategies for rehabilitation. Ultimately, the goal is to help people achieve their best possible outcomes and get back to their lives,” Burnfield adds.
Source: Madonna