Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute creates new position for cancer rehabilitation
MINNEAPOLIS 05/15/2008--
Nancy Hutchison, MD, a board-certified physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist, has been selected as the Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute Medical Director for Cancer Rehabilitation and Lymphedema. Increasingly recognized as key to cancer survivorship, rehabilitation brings together professionals in medicine, nursing, rehabilitation and psychosocial therapies that work in an integrated and coordinated way to maximize outcomes.
"Cancer survivors and their families who receive well-led rehabilitation achieve optimal performance and well-being," says Hutchison. Lymphedema, a common condition of localized fluid retention caused by a compromised lymphatic system is associated both with cancer and other medical conditions. "Lymphedema is a serious health problem that is underrecognized due to lack of information and awareness," Hutchison says.
In her role as medical director, Hutchison will lead Sister Kenny’s efforts in publicizing the importance of rehabilitation in cancer care and in educating healthcare providers and patients about lymphedema. She will train Sister Kenny’s therapists in the best approaches, link Sister Kenny with advocacy groups and other health providers, and ensure that patients with cancer and lymphedema receive quality care.
A key function will be her work with colleagues at Virginia Piper Cancer Institute at Abbott Northwestern Hospital. In Hutchison, Sister Kenny has found a physician with a sophisticated knowledge of cancer rehabilitation and lymphedema and a passion for improving the lives of patients.
Hutchison, an Alpha Omega Alpha graduate of Wake Forest University’s Bowman Gray School of Medicine, has worked in a variety of roles for Kenny Rehabilitation Associates, the medical practice aligned with the Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute. Hutchison is also a certified lymphedema therapist and a board member of the Lymphology Association of North America (LANA).
About Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute
Part of Allina Hospitals & Clinics, Sister Kenny provides acute care rehabilitation therapies, comprehensive in-patient and out-patient medical rehabilitation, ambulatory physical therapy, and community outreach in conjunction with Kenny Rehabilitation Associates and the Sister Kenny Research Center and supported by the Sister Kenny Foundation. Founded by rehabilitation pioneer Elizabeth Kenny 65 years ago, the Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute is now the largest rehabilitation system in the Upper Midwest.
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