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RIC is Named a Model Spinal Cord Injury Center

The National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR), U.S. Department of Education has funded 14 Model Spinal Cord Injury System Centers throughout the United States. These centers serve as models for the treatment and rehabilitation of spinal cord injury. Visit RIC's Midwest Regional Spinal Cord Injury Care System (MRSCICS).

Spinal Cord Injury Patient Stories

Laetitia Hatem

RIC Spinal Cord Injury Patient Story

Watch this video and see how Laetitia Hatem traveled more than 10,000 miles from Beirut to Chicago.

See Laetitia's amazing journey.


Michele Lee

Michele Lee

Michele Lee found a career and an aptitude for art through RIC's Second Look program.

Read Michele's patient story.


Jorge Alfaro

Jorge Alfaro

Jorge suffered a spinal cord injury after being shot at the age of 15.

Read Jorge's patient story.


Charles Kay

Charles Kay

Charles experienced a traumatic spinal cord injury from a swimming pool accident.

Read Charles' patient story.


Martine Maenhout

Martine Maenhout

Emergency surgery to remove a spinal column blood clot left Martine paralyzed below the waist.

Read Martine's patient story.

Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Experts

The spinal cord injury rehabilitation that patients receive at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC) is unique because our team of specialists can address all stages of rehabilitation. Our multi-disciplinary care team is made up of physiatrists (specialists in physical medicine and rehabilitation), nurses, physical and occupational therapists, and it is expanded to include consultations with internists, neurologists, neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons and urologists, as needed.

Dr. David Chen
Dr. David Chen*
Medical Director

Dr. Alan Anschel
Dr. Alan Anschel

Dr. Mark Huang
Dr. Mark Huang

Dr. Alex Kim
Dr. Alex Kim*

Dr. Christina Marciniak
Dr. Christina Marciniak*

Dr. Steven Nussbaum
Dr. Steven Nussbaum*

Dr. Melanie Rak
Dr. Melanie Rak

Diane Rowles, MS, NP
Diane Rowles, MS, NP

Dr. Elliot Roth
Dr. Elliot Roth

Dr. Charles Sisung
Dr. Charles Sisung

Dr. James Sliwa
Dr. James Sliwa

* Several of our physiatrists have subspecialty certificates in spinal cord medicine.

Making an Appointment

Have your physician write a referral for an RIC physician consultation. Then contact RIC at 800-354-REHAB to schedule an initial evaluation.

If your loved one is currently in a hospital or skilled care setting, ask the case manager at the facility to initiate a referral to RIC.