Hackensack Meridian JFK Johnson Rehab Institute Experts To Showcase Leading Research at National Conference

Hackensack Meridian JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute, the nationally ranked rehabilitation hospital by U.S. News and World Report, announced that its team of nationally recognized physicians and residents will play a prominent role at the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R) Annual Assembly, taking place October 22-25 in Salt Lake City, Utah. The participation underscores the institute's leadership in advancing the science and practice of rehabilitation medicine.

Faculty and residents from JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute will contribute through expert panels, skills labs, session direction, and presentation of compelling research. Their work covers a wide range of critical topics, from stroke care and cancer rehabilitation to complex neurological case studies.
“We are incredibly proud of the contributions our team will be making at this year’s AAPM&R Assembly, a national event for our specialty,” said Sara Cuccurullo, M.D., chair, vice president and medical director of JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute. “This level of involvement from our attending physicians and residents reflects our deep commitment to not only providing exceptional patient care but also to advancing the science of rehabilitation medicine through education and research. It underscores the innovative and collaborative spirit that defines JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute.”
Highlights of the scheduled presentations include:
Faculty Presentations

• AAPM&R Early Career Course: Expert Panel Discussion Regarding Different Career Trajectories
• Presenter: Sara Cuccurullo, M.D.
• October 23, 2025, 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
• “Access to Rehabilitation Care for Stroke Survivors: Old Problems and New Solutions”
• Presenter: Talya Fleming, M.D.
• October 23, 9:30am
• “Cancer Rehabilitation Community: Trajectory for Stem Cell Rehabilitation”
• Session Director: Leslie Bagay, M.D.
• October 23, 3:45pm-5:00pm
• “Neuro Rehab Advanced Clinical Focus Session: Translating Research into Practice in Real-Time: An Update on Disorders of Consciousness and a Look in the Future”
• Harris, Kristen, MD
• October 25, 9:15-10:30am
• Ultrasound Evaluation and Management - Skills Lab Director
• Director: Craig Van Dien, M.D.
• October 25, 1:30pm-4:30pm

Research Poster Presentations

• “Hypothyroid Crisis Limiting Neurologic Recovery after Traumatic Brain Injury: A Case Report”
• Authors: Shane McNamara, M.D.; Brian Fertig, M.D.; Christine Greiss, D.O.
• October 23, 12:45pm-2:15pm
• “Influenza-Associated Encephalitis in an Adult Patient: A Case Report”
• Authors: Shane McNamara, M.D.; Daniel McBride, M.D.; Matthew Moore, D.O.
• October 24, 12:00pm-1:30pm
• “Postoperative Development and Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia”
• Authors: Ben Birkenfeld, M.D.; Iqbal Jafri, M.D.
• October 24, 12:00pm-1:30pm
• “A Twisted Turn: Parsonage-Turner Syndrome and Spinal Accessory Neuropathy after COVID Infection: A Case Report”
• Authors: Aimee Abbott-Korumi, M.D.; Michael Galibov, D.O.; Alexander Shustorovich, D.O.; David Brown, D.O.
• October 24, 12:00pm-1:30pm
• “Varicella Induced T9 Transverse Myelitis with Neuromyelitis Optica and Small Bowel Obstruction in a Cancer Patient”
• Authors: Tejaswi Makkapati, M.D.; Lei Lin, M.D.
• October 24, 12:00pm-1:30pm
• “Neuropathic Pain after Acute West Nile Virus Infection”
• Authors: Ben Birkenfeld, M.D.; Lei Lin, M.D.
• October 25, 8:00am-9:15am
• “Cough-Induced Carotid Artery Dissection Leading to Acute Stroke”
• Authors: Tejaswi Makkapati, M.D.; Lei Lin, M.D.
• October 25, 8:00am-9:15am

Special Viewing

Drs. Sara Cuccurullo and Leslie Bagay, editors of the field’s leading textbook in conjunction with Springer Publishing, will have the newly released 5th Edition of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation book for viewing.

• Editor-In-Chief Sara Cuccurullo, M.D.,
• Associate Editor Leslie Bagay, M.D.