December 2005

Editor's Message

By Chris Wolski

Spreading Holiday Cheer

With the holiday season upon us, the inevitable dilemma of finding the perfect gift for professional friends and colleagues will follow. While a generic gift basket or gift card can suffice for most situations, there is something to be said for the gift that is a reflection of the giver's and the receiver's personalities. Physical and occupational therapists are in luck this year. There have two excellent gift possibilities.

The first is Bob Dole's A Soldier's Story, which is the ex-US senator's memoir detailing his recovery from wounds he received during the invasion of Italy in World War II. The book is a fascinating-—and in light of current events, timely—account of a soldier's experiences in rehab. Dole's numerous injuries and the rather primitive approach to rehab make his story both miraculous and inspiring, highlighting both how far rehab has come since the mid 1940s and why physical rehabilitation is so crucial to the healing process. The book is also available as an audio CD.

Murderball, the documentary about the rivalry between the US and Canadian national men's wheelchair rugby teams, has just come out on DVD. This is one of those rare sports movies in which the human drama overtakes the sports conflict, enhancing its universal appeal. Murderball  is also a great look at the benefits of rehab-—most of the players were introduced to wheelchair rugby while they were rehab patients—and its ability to give hope and purpose to even the most severely injured.

Apart from their obvious therapy-related nature, these two suggestions are perfect for the therapist on your list for another reason—they remind the recipient that what they are doing is worthwhile and life-enhancing.

The holiday season is not only a time to spread cheer, but a time for change as well. And in that spirit, I am sad to announce that I am leaving Rehab Management for a new adventure.

During my tenure, first as staff writer and then editor, I have grown to appreciate all the work physical and occupational therapists are engaged in. You are truly the miracle workers of the medical profession.

The production of a magazine, just like the therapy plan for a patient, is dependent on a team of experts, and I would like to acknowledge my team: publisher Jody Rich, associate editor Danielle Cohen, copy editor Linda Litchfield, and art director Vladimir Davydov. In addition, I would like to thank the hard work and professionalism of all the writers who have produced articles for me over the last year, in particular regular columnists George Olsen and Cherilyn Murer, who took time out of their busy schedules to share their knowledge with the readers of Rehab Management. To all of you, I give you my most profound thanks.

Beginning with the January/February issue, Rogena Silverman () will take over the reins of Rehab Management. Rogena joins Rehab Management by way of Ascend Media's Orthopedic Technology Review and Hearing Products Report magazines. Her interest in rehabilitation is longstanding and personal, and brings with this interest a strong editorial resume that ensures readers will continue to find Rehab Management a strong clinical resource.

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