Shepherd Center Radio

Promoting Teen Driver Safety with AutoCoach App

RadioMD — Tue, 27 Jun 2017 22:41:37 +0000

In partnership with the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, Shepherd Center has created AutoCoach, an app that teaches parents how to effectively and safely teach their teen to drive. AutoCoach aims to improve parental supervisory behaviors and involvement through quizzes, distraction notifications, driving logs and a ten-chapter curriculum based on best practices.

In today’s podcast, Shepherd Center director of injury prevention Emma Harrington discusses how the app aims to combat motor vehicle crashes and promote injury prevention. The app will be available as a free download in the Apple and Google Play app stores in summer 2017.

The Importance of Caring for Caregivers

RadioMD — Mon, 12 Jun 2017 17:00:44 +0000

Caring for a person with a neurodegenerative disease can be extremely challenging. Beyond the potential physical exhaustion caregivers may experience, they also may experience emotional and psychological changes when having to take care of someone else, and it is a potential problem that needs to be addressed.

In this podcast, Deborah Backus, director of multiple sclerosis research at Shepherd Center and co-author of the paper “Coping With Caregiver Burnout When Caring for a Person With Neurodegenerative Disease: A Guide for Caregivers,” discusses the importance of recognizing and addressing the impact of caregiving.

The Value of Peer Support After Injury

RadioMD — Wed, 15 Mar 2017 22:25:44 +0000

People with spinal cord injuries and their families often feel anxious about returning home after rehabilitation and dealing with the many challenges related to living with such injuries. Patients with SCI who receive more intensive peer mentorship have more active engagement in rehabilitation, greater self-efficacy and lower hospital readmissions.

In this segment of Shepherd Center Radio, Minna Hong, the Spinal Cord Injury Peer Support Program supervisor at Shepherd Center, discusses the value of peer support and the importance of peer-led self-care education classes after injury.

SCI in the First 72 Hours

RadioMD — Thu, 09 Mar 2017 00:18:24 +0000

Today, Shepherd Center access case manager Dorea Fowler discusses treatments for people with spinal cord injury in the first 72 hours after injury.

This podcast describes the way spinal cord injury affects the body, including the levels of injury and muscles that coordinate with those injuries, and how people with spinal cord injury differ from other patients in an intensive care unit.

Respiratory Therapy During Rehabilitation

RadioMD — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 01:48:19 +0000

When a patient has a spinal cord injury, depending on the level of injury, breathing can become the most important issue they and their family are facing. When a patient has limited use of their diaphragm, respiratory therapists assist through ventilator management or coughing assistance. Respiratory therapists keep the patient breathing and get them breathing on their own before physical recovery can begin.

Shepherd Center respiratory therapist Kelley Taylor is here today to speak about the role of respiratory therapy in the rehabilitation process.

Stroke: Recognizing Symptoms is Vital to Recovery

RadioMD — Thu, 12 Jan 2017 00:36:01 +0000

About 700,000 strokes occur in the United States each year. To serve the healthcare needs of these patients, Shepherd Center provides a full continuum of services – from inpatient rehabilitation to outpatient care for stroke rehabilitation.

The hospital’s program specializes in rehabilitation for people who may be in college, raising a family or in the prime of their career.

In today’s podcast, Dr. Andrew Dennison, a board-certified physical medicine and rehabilitation physician with an additional subspecialty board certification in brain injury medicine, discusses symptoms and risk factors of a stroke, as well as some therapies and treatments that are typically used in rehabilitation.

Common Complications After Discharge from Rehabilitation for Brain and Spinal Cord Injury

RadioMD — Thu, 22 Dec 2016 02:00:51 +0000

Secondary complications are a major health issue for people living with brain and spinal cord injury. Secondary conditions are negative health outcomes that occur as a direct result of a disability. The most common secondary conditions for these patients are pressure sores, respiratory complications, urinary tract infections, spasticity and neuropathic pain.

Today, Angela Beninga, D.O., a staff physiatrist in Shepherd Center’s Multispecialty Clinic and the director of Shepherd Center’s Spinal Cord Injury Day Program, joins us to discuss diagnosis and treatment for common complications post-discharge.

Neuroimaging Research and Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis

RadioMD — Tue, 20 Dec 2016 01:54:01 +0000

The Andrew C. Carlos MS Institute at Shepherd has extensive experience treating people with multiple sclerosis (MS), suspected MS or related disorders. The MS Institute at Shepherd has treated thousands of people with MS using a wide range of neurological and rehabilitative services.

Additionally, Shepherd Center engages in research to improve clinical outcomes and the quality of life for individuals with MS.

Today, Dr. Guy Buckle, M.D., MPH, director of neuroimaging research at Shepherd Center, discusses advances in technology and neuroimaging research that aid in the treatment of MS.

Rehabilitation Admissions Under Workers’ Compensation

RadioMD — Sun, 04 Dec 2016 21:17:04 +0000

Are you a workers' compensation case manager, claims manager or life care planner who are seeking options for their injured client? In this podcast, Heddi Silon, the director of workers compensation at Shepherd Center, discusses the admissions process for patients covered under worker’s compensation.

In this segment of Shepherd Center Radio, we discuss options for patients who need a “tune up,” those who never participated in rehabilitation, or injured workers who have previously participated in rehabilitation and are more than six months post-injury.

Family Systems After Brain Injury

RadioMD — Tue, 20 Sep 2016 22:29:32 +0000

Brain injury affects the entire family, not just the injured person, and the support of the family system plays a significant role in recovery.

In this podcast, Tana Hall, a family counselor for the Acquired Brain Injury Program at Shepherd Center, discusses the grieving process and how brain injury impacts the family system. She offers strategies for families to cope with the long-term effects of brain injury.

Stroke Education for Patients Undergoing Rehabilitation

RadioMD — Sat, 20 Aug 2016 19:32:53 +0000

About 700,000 strokes occur in the United States each year. A stroke can affect a person physically and emotionally, and can affect the way a person thinks (cognition) and acts (behavior). Living with and returning home following a stroke can be daunting, requiring preparation for a patient’s ongoing safety, accessibility and independence.

Listen in as clinical nurse specialist Tiffany LeCroy joins us to discuss stroke education for Shepherd Center patients undergoing rehabilitation in the stroke program, addressing stroke awareness, prevention and how to manage life after a stroke.

Rehabilitation Process for Athletes Who Sustain Spinal Cord Injury

RadioMD — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 21:37:45 +0000

Athletes have long thrived at Shepherd Center. Over the past 41 years, Shepherd Center has treated countless patient-athletes from across the country who played high school, college or professional sports. In addition to occupational and physical therapy, patients have access to the largest team of recreation therapy specialists in the nation, as well as to an adaptive sports program that includes competitive teams, sports and health clinics, and outdoor recreation workshops.

Listen in as Dan Dale, SCI Day Program Physical Therapist, explains the rehabilitation process for athletes who sustain spinal cord injuries.

Research to Improve Quality of Life for People with Multiple Sclerosis

RadioMD — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 01:54:05 +0000

Shepherd Center engages in research to improve clinical outcomes and the quality of life for individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). At the hospital’s MS Rehabilitation and Wellness Research Program, researchers study the effects of rehabilitation and exercise interventions for people with MS, and studies also address vocation and quality of life. Researchers also make a concerted effort to share their findings to people with MS, as well as MS healthcare providers, caregivers and healthcare payers in hopes of optimizing function and quality of life for all people living with MS.

Shepherd Center’s MS research program is unique in that it is truly an integration of clinical and research endeavors. This integrated team, led by Dr. Deborah Backus, PT, Ph.D., FACRM, is comprised of physical and occupational therapists, speech therapists, exercise specialists, physicians and research collaborators from various related fields and institutions, who endeavor to answer meaningful questions that can be translated into clinical practice.

Alternatives to Treating Pain with Opioid Medications

RadioMD — Mon, 11 Apr 2016 14:01:46 +0000

The increasingly widespread use of opioid painkillers for chronic pain has created a public health crisis as many people are abusing these highly addictive medications.

Aiming to reduce the number of opioid prescriptions doctors write, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently issued guidelines that recommend doctors try pain relievers like ibuprofen before prescribing the highly addictive pills, and that they give most patients only a few days’ supply.

But pain intervention specialists actually have a number of other alternative treatments that may address chronic pain with little or no medication.

Today, Dr. Erik Shaw of Shepherd Spine and Pain Institute addresses the opioid crisis and explains some pain interventions that are helping patients manage their condition without addictive painkillers.

Educational Resources to Help People with Brain Injury

RadioMD — Wed, 09 Mar 2016 16:54:21 +0000

Each year, an estimated 2.4 million people in the United States sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI), and another 795,000 people are diagnosed with an acquired brain injury (ABI) from non-traumatic causes, such as stroke.

Brain injury can have significant, long-term effects.

In fact, more than 5.3 million Americans are living with a lifelong disability because of TBI, and an estimated 1.1 million have a disability related to stroke.

With this large of an impact, many caregivers are seeking help from online educational resources.

To meet the needs of its brain and spinal cord injury rehabilitation patients and their families, Shepherd Center created an educational website found at MyShepherdConnection.org.

An in-depth section is devoted to brain injury-related topics, such as mood, behavior, memory, safety, nutrition, medication management and family dynamics. Instructional videos and other educational materials are also available on the website.

A number of other online resources also provide valuable information.

Here to discuss My Shepherd Connection and other resources is Susan Johnson, director of brain injury services at Shepherd Center.

How to Get Fit When Living with a Physical Disability

RadioMD — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 05:20:47 +0000

Shepherd Center embraces a total approach to fitness and wellness that emphasizes physical and mental wellbeing.

Facilities include a weight room, indoor track, full-court gymnasium and swimming pool.

Through land and aquatic classes, personalized programs, massage, yoga and personal training, Shepherd Center attempts to improve its members’ fitness and quality of life.

The facility is completely accessible to allow people with physical disabilities to participate in all programs, as appropriate.

Professionally trained and certified staff members are available to ensure that all members receive the highest quality assistance.

Shepherd also introduces inpatients and day program patients to its fitness center, including aquatics, to give them the tools and knowledge to participate in their community fitness centers after discharge from the hospital.

Rebecca Washburn, M.S., is here to discuss how health and wellness before a person’s injury is important, but even more important following injury to maintain strength, endurance and prevent secondary complications.

Infection Prevention in the Acute Rehabilitation Setting

RadioMD — Mon, 25 Jan 2016 18:31:33 +0000

Patients at Shepherd Center are at risk of infection for a few important reasons.

The risk goes up the longer a person is in a facility, and Shepherd’s average inpatient is in the hospital for more than six weeks.

Because Shepherd Center is a rehabilitation facility, patients are very mobile throughout the hospital, which sacrifices some infection protection afforded by having them stay put in their rooms.

Also, a high proportion of Shepherd patients use medical devices that add the risk of infection; these include certain kinds of IVs, tracheostomies and urinary catheters.

Listen in as Sarah Culberson, RN, discusses how Shepherd Center is working to decrease the risks of infection to patients.

Fall Prevention in the Acute Rehabilitation Setting

RadioMD — Mon, 14 Dec 2015 05:15:10 +0000

Patients in the acute rehabilitation phase of recovery from a brain injury are at a high risk of falls, largely because of physical limitations and cognitive impairments.

But some prevention strategies implemented at Shepherd Center have proven successful in reducing fall rates significantly in this setting.

Falls among these patients can occur because patients experience weakness, confusion, impulsivity, impaired safety awareness, and poor judgment and reasoning.

They may also have uncontrollable spasms or movements that increase the risk of sliding out of a bed or a chair. Also, assisted falls may occur when a patient with limitations is learning new ways of moving and attempting to rebuild strength and endurance.

Strategies to prevent falls among these patients can be simple, but effective.

Shepherd Center uses bed alarms on all brain-injured patients, seatbelt alarms, one-on-one attendants and frequent rounding on patients.

Also, leadership engages staff members in maintaining a culture that recognizes the high risk of falls requires a high sense of urgency in responding to alarms, and that safety has to be more important than privacy for the brain-injured patient.

Shepherd Center Brain Injury Unit nursing manager Gail Greene, RN, is here to explain how Shepherd Center uses an interdisciplinary, collaborative approach to teaching and reinforcing the use of these strategies.

How to Prevent Pressure Ulcers in People with Spinal Cord Injury

RadioMD — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 17:29:45 +0000

People with spinal cord injury and other conditions that limit movement are at great risk for pressure ulcer development.

Many risk factors predispose people with spinal cord injury to the development of these wounds; factors include impaired sensation, mobility, spasms and respiratory issues.

At Shepherd Center, nurse Cathy Koerner and her colleagues have implemented a comprehensive program to prevent these ulcers among patients while they are in the hospital and after they discharge.

Today, Cathy will share some pressure ulcer prevention strategies, which include scheduled turning and repositioning in beds and wheelchairs; management of bowel and bladder issues; proper support surfaces; and regular checks of the skin.

Tips for Returning to Work After Rehabilitation for a Spinal Cord or Brain Injury

RadioMD — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 15:22:31 +0000

Every October, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy celebrates National Disability Employment Awareness Month to recognize the workforce contributions of people with disabilities.

Those workers include people living with spinal cord or brain injury.

Returning to work after rehabilitation for these life-changing injuries is filled with challenges.

But with the guidance of vocational case managers and others, many have overcome the challenges and now make vital contributions to their employers and communities.

They have also become more financially independent and are living full, productive lives.

At Shepherd Center in Atlanta, vocational case manager Debbie Page counsels patients and employers on strategies to accommodate disabilities in the workplace.

She and her colleagues have witnessed many successful returns to work, and Debbie is sharing her insights today with Shepherd Center Radio listeners.

Spinal Cord Injury Research: Working Toward a Cure While Injury Prevention Efforts are Expanding

RadioMD — Tue, 08 Sep 2015 01:50:28 +0000

Congress has designated September as National Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Awareness Month.

In addition to raising awareness and support for much-needed cure research, National SCI Awareness Month aims to further educate the public about how paralyzing accidents can be prevented.

There is no cure for spinal cord injury, nor is there an FDA-approved therapeutic or device that can restore function.

But researchers are working toward these goals, and more research dollars are needed to continue that work.

For now, people who sustain a spinal cord injury receive acute care in trauma hospitals and then typically undergo rehabilitation, which can help to restore some function and independence.

Early, comprehensive rehabilitation – such as what Shepherd Center provides – yields the best outcomes.

Anna Choo Elmers, M.D., is here to discuss how efforts are under way across the nation to prevent spinal cord injuries, especially those caused by distracted driving, falls and diving.

Disorders of Consciousness Require Early Intervention and Specialized Care

RadioMD — Mon, 17 Aug 2015 20:57:56 +0000

Patients who are in a reduced or minimally conscious state following a traumatic brain injury are often not ready to begin an active rehabilitation program.

But rehabilitation services are critical to optimize recovery until the patient emerges.

It is also vital to educate and train the patient’s family and/or caregivers about expectations and care.

For these patients, Shepherd Center’s specialized Disorders of Consciousness (DOC) Program provides pre-rehabilitation and education services.

Ford Vox, M.D., is here to discuss how research is under way at Shepherd Center and elsewhere with an eye toward new and innovative treatments for patients with a DOC.

Specialized, Comprehensive Outpatient Services Under One Roof

RadioMD — Mon, 13 Jul 2015 23:56:59 +0000

Outpatient Services at Shepherd Center provides comprehensive medical treatment for people with spinal cord injury, brain injury, multiple sclerosis and chronic pain on an outpatient basis.

These programs provide individualized, integrative care and may even include family members.

Listen as Emily Cade, MS, CCM,CRC,CLCP, director of Shepherd Center Outpatient Services, discusses the outpatient services available at Shepherd Center.

Indego Robotic Exoskeleton to Assist Walking

RadioMD — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 16:40:02 +0000

Shepherd Center is the lead clinical partner in the critical final stage of trials for a robotics-assisted walking device that could improve the lives of people with limited mobility caused by spinal cord or brain injury, stroke or multiple sclerosis.

Developer Parker Hannifin Corp. describes the exoskeleton device – called Indego® – as a “powered orthosis worn around the waist and legs that allows individuals with spinal cord injuries to stand and walk."

The device is being tested at Shepherd Center and a few other facilities across the nation in people with spinal cord and brain injury, multiple sclerosis and stroke.

Parker hopes to obtain FDA approval for the device in late 2015.

Casey Kandilakis, PT, DPT, NCS, is here to discuss the research and development of this robotics-assisted walking device.

Prevention of Diving-Related Spinal Cord Injury

RadioMD — Wed, 06 May 2015 16:15:04 +0000

A decade's worth of Shepherd Center statistics shows diving has historically been the fourth leading cause of paralyzing spinal cord injury among patients treated at the rehabilitation hospital.

These injuries are also among the most preventable.

Now, thanks to the efforts of Shepherd Center physician Herndon Murray, M.D., and the hospital's injury prevention program, Shepherd Center has seen a dramatic reduction in the past 18 months in spinal cord injuries caused by diving.

Diving is simply not worth the risk, Dr. Murray says. The only safe dive is the one you don't take. Listen as Dr. Murray explains the injury prevention program and why diving is such a dangerous activity.

Stroke Awareness, Prevention and Rehabilitation

RadioMD — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 00:12:38 +0000

In the United States, more than 795,000 strokes occur each year.

Stroke can happen to anyone at any age.

In fact, research shows strokes are on the rise among younger people.

So, it's important to know the risk factors and work to prevent those that can be managed, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

If you or a loved one experiences a stroke, early and intensive rehabilitation is key to achieving the best outcomes.

That is why Shepherd Center provides a full continuum of stroke services – from inpatient rehabilitation to outpatient care.

Ford Vox, M.D., is here to explain Shepherd Center's goal - to give patients their best chance for returning to what they love to do.

Upper-Extremity Surgical Options for People with Spinal Cord Injury

RadioMD — Mon, 09 Mar 2015 17:27:37 +0000

Tendon transfer procedures have been done for decades and applied in spinal cord injury (SCI) since the 1950s – though Shepherd Center is one of only a handful of facilities that offer the procedure for people with SCI.

In the past several decades, techniques and protocols have been greatly improved through research. In fact, Shepherd Center's Upper Extremity Clinic has conducted some of this research and presented it at international meetings and published it in journals and books.

Upper-extremity surgical procedures can improve the quality of life in people with spinal cord injury - specifically tetraplegia..

Among the options are tendon transfer surgery, which can restore function in hands, wrists and arms for people with tetraplegia.

Allan Peljovich, M.D.,MPH, is here to discuss upper-extremity surgical procedures.

Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy for Pain Management

RadioMD — Thu, 05 Mar 2015 20:01:05 +0000

Platelet-rich plasma therapy is a relatively new treatment that can relieve pain by promoting healing of musculoskeletal conditions, such as osteoarthritis of the knee, shoulder, hip and spine, and muscle and tendon injuries, among others.

PRP is an emerging treatment in a new realm of medicine called “regenerative medicine.”

Listen as J. Tobias Musser, M.D., joins the show to discuss this new therapy and how it can help those suffering from the pain of an injury and actually help to heal the injury as well.

Expressing Sexuality When Living with a Spinal Cord Injury

RadioMD — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 18:51:17 +0000

People are sexual beings by nature.

Sexuality is not just about the physical act of sexual intercourse, but also includes emotional, intellectual, social aspects and other forms of sexual expression.

Spinal cord injury may alter certain physical and emotional aspects, but in spite of this there are still many ways that a person can express their sexuality.

Listen in as Minna Hong discusses your sexual options after a spinal cord injury.

Injury Prevention: An Important Part of Shepherd Center’s Mission

RadioMD — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 18:43:01 +0000

Injury prevention is part of the stated mission at Shepherd Center.

Efforts are focused on preventing injuries related to distracted driving, falls and diving.

Listen in as Emma Harrington, MSPS, talks about Shepherd Center's devotion to the prevention of injuries.

Tips for Caregivers of People with a Spinal Cord Injury

RadioMD — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 18:29:10 +0000

Recovery from a spinal cord injury is unpredictable and can be frustrating.

Those who provide care for a loved one with a brain injury can gain insight and encouragement from these tips from a longtime rehabilitation case manager.

Listen in as Bridget Metzger, CCM, discusses how you can help a survivor of a spinal cord injury.

Importance of Recreation Therapy in Recovery from Spinal Cord or Brain Injury

RadioMD — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 18:15:29 +0000

When a person first sustains a spinal cord or brain injury, they are faced with many issues about how they will manage their lifestyle and daily schedule.

An important part of the solution is recreation therapy, which gives you leisure counseling and skills to increase their overall wellness of in the emotional, spiritual, physical, intellectual, vocational and social aspects of life.

Listen in as Kelly Edens discusses all the options available at Shepherd Center for a spinal cord or brain injury survivor.

Tips for Caregivers of People with Brain Injury

RadioMD — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 17:46:15 +0000

Recovery from brain injury is unpredictable and can be frustrating.

Those who provide care for a loved one with a brain injury can gain insight and encouragement from these tips from a longtime director of brain injury services.

Listen in as Susan Johnson, M.A., discusses the care you can provide for your survivor of a brain injury.

The Latest Mainstream and Alternative Treatments for Chronic Back Pain

RadioMD — Wed, 19 Nov 2014 00:28:36 +0000

“Ow! I hurt my back!” I imagine you have said this, out loud or to yourself, at some point in your life.

Most low back injuries involve lifting, bending or twisting in the wrong way.

There are many different little back muscles, all connected by tendons to the bones in your spine.

The medical staff at Shepherd Pain Institute ventures beyond narcotics to treat pain. Some examples:

•Nerve blocks – injections of medication into a specific area of the body. These are used to both diagnose and treat pain.
•Neuromodulation – implanted electrodes, or pacemaker-like devices, that stimulate the spinal cord.
•Biofeedback – using thoughts to control the body and relax certain muscles. This is both a treatment option and a coping mechanism.
•Manual (osteopathic) therapy – manual manipulations to bones that can sometimes relieve pain.

Listen in as Erik Shaw, D.O., discusses lower back pain and how Shepherd Pain Institute can help ease your pain.

Living a Healthy Life After Stroke

RadioMD — Wed, 19 Nov 2014 00:12:25 +0000

Studies show that having a stroke increases risk for having a second stroke, so doctors emphasize healthy lifestyles for patients in this situation.

Diet and exercise play a significant role, as well as controlling risk factors such as high blood pressure.

Listen in as Payal Fadia, M.D., discusses how to live a healthier life after you've had a stroke.

How to Choose a Rehabilitation Facility for a Brain or Spinal Cord Injury

RadioMD — Tue, 18 Nov 2014 23:32:32 +0000

It's important to be confident about the quality of care you or a loved one will receive when entering a rehabilitation program.

There are certain things to look for and questions to ask when narrowing down your list of options.

A specialized rehabilitation facility like Shepherd Center offers distinct advantages for people who need rehabilitation for a spinal cord or brain injury.

Advantages include staff expertise, a comprehensive continuum of care, a younger patient population and ongoing research.

Listen in as Donald P. Leslie, M.D., discusses the rehabilitation facility at Shepherd Center, so you can make the right decision for your brain or spinal cord injury rehabilitation.

Latest Development in MS Treatment and Research

RadioMD — Tue, 18 Nov 2014 21:45:05 +0000

Researchers are reporting exciting work under way to develop new treatments for multiple sclerosis.

A number of clinical trials are under way at Shepherd Center and elsewhere.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Plegridy™ (peginterferon beta-1a), a new treatment for people with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (RMS).

Clinical trials show the drug reduces relapses, disability progression and brain lesions.

MS management can be divided into three areas: relapse treatment, symptom management and disease modification.

Listen in as Ben Thrower, M.D., discusses the latest developments in MS management at Shepherd Center.

Latest Developments in Spinal Cord Injury Research

RadioMD — Tue, 18 Nov 2014 15:13:25 +0000

Many exciting developments are occurring in the field of spinal cord injury research.

They include both basic and applied research aimed at finding a cure, as well as ways to improve function and quality of life.

After years of tests and research there have been many positive results.

Listen in as Edelle Field-Fote, PT, Ph.D., discusses spinal cord injury research and the work being done at Shepherd Center to help improve the quality of life for its patients.