“The department does a great job of restoring patients’ functional abilities, enabling them to have a good quality of life after their initial injury or illness,” added Flanagan.

Fine previously served as regional director for rehabilitation services at Elmhurst and Queens Hospital Centers, both part of NYC Health + Hospitals, and coordinated the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation residency program as associate program director at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, states the release.

“As rehabilitation specialists, we assist patients and their families in setting realistic, individualized goals to help them achieve optimal physical capabilities,” said Fine.

“Designing a concrete plan with daily goals can go a long way in improving a patient’s quality of life.  I am actively involved in developing tools and smartphone applications that can help patients function more independently and adhere to recommended rehabilitation activity regimens at home.” 

According to Fine, it is also important to equip patients and their families with knowledge to prevent or lessen accidents like falls, which are a major cause of injury and admission to the hospital, especially in individuals 55 years and older. 

“Fear of falling and diminished physical activity have a significant negative impact on many of the body’s systems,” said Fine. “The goal of rehabilitation clinicians is to help people reconstitute and maintain their functional abilities as much as possible. Education and exercise are key ingredients.”

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