ANN ARBOR: Researchers at Spring Arbor University and U-M Health System to collaborate on biomedical research

From left, Don Tomford, Chief Department Administrator, Department of Neurosurery at the University of Michigan Health System, David Hockenbrocht, President of MedSAU, Ron Griffith, Director of External Relations and Special Assistant to the President, Lynda Yang, clinical associate professor of neurological surgery and board-certified surgeon at the University of Michigan Health System, Rod Stewart, Associate Provost, Chuck Webb, President, Brent Ellis, VP for University Advancement, Kimberly Rupert, Provost, Roger Varland, Interim Dean of Arts & Science and Craig Hayward, Professor of Health, Human Performance & Recreation.

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The number of children impacted by this debilitating condition rivals cerebral palsy one to four of every 1,000 children born in the United States. However, unlike cerebral palsy, NBPP is largely unknown. This anonymity results in a dearth of research as well as treatment options for children who are afflicted.

We believe the affiliation between Spring Arbor University and the University of Michigan Health System program would not only result in much-needed research to address this debilitating condition, but will also develop the ways and means to improve the quality of life of these patients through new solutions for the management of treatment for NBPP, said Dr. Charles Webb, Spring Arbor University president. The program also will offer SAU students the opportunity to work with and learn from faculty at one of the premier interdisciplinary brachial plexus programs in the US.

Dr. Lynda Yang, director of the U-M Brachial Plexus Program, said we are fortunate to partner with Spring Arbor University faculty and students in our mission to improve the lives of patients with NBPP through collaboration, research and innovation.

Yang is a Board-certified Associate Professor of Neurosurgery in the University of Michigan Medical School. She received her medical and doctorate degrees from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and completed her neurosurgical residency at the University of Michigan. She has special interest in patients with nerve disorders, including the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with brachial plexus and peripheral nerve disorders.

While surgery and physical therapy can improve some of the disablement associated with NBPP, new research is necessary to forward advances in the management of this chronic lifetime condition.

Most funding for medical research attempts to address cause, prevention, and disease cures, but efforts stop short of supporting research to find what will be required to improve the quality of life and management of the condition for a lifetime. Consequently, the MedSAU Fund has been established to step in and make an impact.

Supported research will address various aspects of NBPP including: motor and sensory function and adaptations, psychosocial aspects of childhood disablement, and transitioning into adulthood. MedSAU will also support the production of multimedia patient educational materials created for University of Michigan Health System patients. These publications also can be used to educate patients, medical professionals, school administrators and teachers, as well as the general public about NBPP.

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ANN ARBOR: Researchers at Spring Arbor University and U-M Health System to collaborate on biomedical research