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Our Mission

South Florida Spinal Cord Injury Model System
Our mission is to advance the science of rehabilitation medicine in support of individuals with SCI to reach goals related to physical and psychological health and full community participation. To do this, we invest our efforts in research on primary and secondary conditions of SCI in partnership with the community of people with SCI and clinical care professionals.

The SF SCIMS is one of only 18 sites in the country to receive the model systems designation by the National Institute of Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research. One of the primary purposes of the model systems program is to collect acute, rehabilitation, and follow-up data on patients with SCI. Our site is determined to provide an excellent standard of care for individuals with spinal cord injuries.  Our research studies aim to improve quality of life and give individuals with SCI the greatest chance for reintegration success.

As of 2021, the South Florida Spinal Cord Injury Model System received funding from the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research through 2026. As part of this five-year grant, researchers at the SCIMS are currently studying innovative approaches to prevent neuropathic pain from developing in SCI patients. Our researchers are constantly developing innovative, and effective research studies to help prevent pain in SCI patients.