November 2002

Industry Update

Martin Szmal

PRIDE MOBILITY NAMES GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS DIRECTOR

Pride Mobility Products Corp, Exeter, Pa, has promoted Martin Szmal to director of government affairs. In this role, he will work to educate consumer groups and the federal government, and try to create manageable insurance regulations so people who have medical necessity for Pride mobility equipment can receive reimbursement. Szmal has worked in the industry for 15 years, and most recently was general manager of reimbursement services.

BOSTON PROGRAM RECEIVES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AWARDA

The Sargent College Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Boston University, has received the US Department of Education’s Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) 2002 RSA Commissioner’s Award for Excellence in Education and Training in the category of continuing education. This national award recognizes the center’s dedication and efforts in establishing one of the country’s first certificate programs in psychiatric vocational rehabilitation. The program improves and enhances the knowledge and skills of psychiatric rehabilitation professionals who wish to learn how to successfully partner with clients to help them achieve needed jobs and educational experiences.

SIEMENS RECEIVES FDA APPROVAL FOR THERAPY SYSTEM

Siemens Medical Solutions, Iselin, NJ, has been granted FDA premarket approval for SONOCUR® Basic, its new low-energy extracorporeal shock wave therapy system, for use in the treatment of patients with lateral epicondylitis, commonly referred to as tennis elbow. During treatment with this system, the articulating head of the device is placed onto the area where the patient experiences pain, and fine adjustments are made to the area of therapeutic focus. The device administers a preset number of shock waves at a low-energy level, allowing for anesthesia-free treatment.

Michael Bruno II, president of Bruno Independent Living Aids (left), and Andrew Bayer, product manager, Automotive/Lift TAS™ Division

BRUNO WINS AWARD

Bruno Independent Living Aids, Oconomowoc, Wis, has been awarded the 2002 Commercial Award from the Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists. The award was presented to Bruno as a corporate member of the association that has demonstrated outstanding contributions in the field of driver rehabilitation and vehicle modifications for people with disabilities.

PERMOBIL HIRES GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS DIRECTOR

Permobil Inc, Lebanon, Tenn, has hired Darren Jernigan as director of government affairs. Jernigan, a quadriplegic, joins the company after serving as a private consultant on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a candidate for the Tennessee State House of Representatives, and staff member for Congressman Bob Clement. He was most recently president of Access America Consulting, which he also founded.

HEALTH CARE EXECUTIVE RECEIVES AWARD

Sean T. O’Grady, CHE, vice president of inpatient services at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, has been presented with the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) Regent’s Award. The award recognizes ACHE affiliates who are experienced in the health care field and have made significant contributions toward the advancement of health care management and the achievement of ACHE goals. O’Grady was evaluated on his leadership ability, innovative and creative management, and executive capability in developing the Institute and promoting its growth and stature in the community. He works closely with staff members at the Institute, leading the day-to-day operations of inpatient and outpatient support services. He also works with employees to plan for changes in Medicare reimbursement, the nursing shortage, and other health care issues.

CARF NAMES NEW HR OFFICER

CARF, The Rehabilitation Accreditation Commission, Tucson, Ariz, has named Judy Forman as its new human resources officer. Prior to joining CARF, Forman consulted with small to midsize companies, including Ernst & Young, to help them identify and capitalize on business opportunities. She holds a master’s degree in organizational development from Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, and is a board member of the local Society of Human Resources.

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