Gaylord Specialty Healthcare, a rehabilitation-focused health system headquartered in Wallingford, has appointed Jennifer Russo, MD, Medical Director of its Inpatient Acquired Brain Injury Service, strengthening the system's stroke and brain injury rehabilitation program.
Dr. Russo will oversee interdisciplinary care for patients recovering from stroke, traumatic brain injury and other acquired brain injuries requiring specialized rehabilitation.
The appointment builds on Gaylord's brain injury and stroke reputation. Dr. Michael Ivy, Chief Medical Officer at Gaylord Specialty Healthcare, said, "Gaylord has built its reputation as a leader in brain injury and stroke rehabilitation by providing specialized, patient-centered care for individuals with some of the most complex neurological challenges. Dr. Russo's expertise in brain injury medicine, disorders of consciousness, research, and education will further strengthen our ability to provide innovative rehabilitation services for patients and families."
Dr. Russo joins Gaylord from Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation, where she served as Associate Program Director of the Brain Injury Medicine Fellowship and Clinical Chief of Brain Injury Services, and is nationally recognized for her work with disorders of consciousness following severe brain injury.
Some patients with severe brain injury may appear unresponsive yet retain the ability to demonstrate awareness through specialized assessments, known as covert consciousness. Her research examines how advanced diagnostic technologies can improve detection of these patients and guide rehabilitation decisions, translating emerging neuroscience into clinical practices that improve diagnosis and outcomes.
Dr. Russo pointed to Gaylord's reputation and collaborative approach as the reason for the move. "I was drawn to Gaylord because of its longstanding reputation as a national leader in rehabilitation and its collaborative, interdisciplinary approach to patient care," said Dr. Russo. "I am excited to join a team that is committed to helping patients and families navigate recovery after brain injury while advancing innovation, research, and education in the field."
Gaylord Specialty Healthcare is anchored by Gaylord Hospital, a long-term acute care hospital, and includes Gaylord Outpatient Services and Gaylord Physical Therapy. The system's Milne Institute for Healthcare Innovation advances rehabilitative research and technology to improve patients' quality of life.
