A Hackensack Meridian JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute physician has received a prestigious award that recognizes excellence in spinal cord injury research by professionals dedicated to improving the lives of people with these life-changing injuries.
Beverly Hon, M.D., an attending physician at JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute, has been honored with the Bors Award for Scientific Development for her research into ultrasound surveillance for deep vein thrombosis (DVT), or blood clots, among people with spinal cord injury.
The study examined 189 patients. The study concluded that being older and having more severe neurologic impairment are independent risk factors for DVTs. Those with certain types of DVTs have a high likelihood of future blood clots and the study concluded that routine ultrasound surveillance for these patients may be warranted, according to information provided by Hackensack Meridian Health.
“This is important research that has the potential to change how patients with spinal cord injury are treated. Identifying DVTs in these patients is critical,” Sara Cuccurullo, M.D., medical director of JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute, said in the statement. “We are all proud of Dr. Hon and believe her research will improve outcomes for people with spinal cord injuries.”
For 25 years, the Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine (JSCM) has honored the legacy of Ernest Bors, M.D., with an annual publishing award—The Ernest Bors, M.D., Award for Scientific Development. Young investigators who publish their research in JSCM are eligible to submit their articles for the award, named in honor of Dr. Bors (1900–90), who was a pioneer in the care of veterans disabled by spinal cord injury. During a time when little was known about spinal cord injury, and few were interested in the care of patients considered “hopeless,” Dr. Bors conducted his own bedside research. The textbook on neuro-urology he co-authored with fellow pioneer Estin Comarr, M.D., in 1971, is still in use as a reference today, according to the statement.
Dr. Hon’s article was selected from a competitive field judged for their novelty, appropriateness of methodology and techniques, clarity of presentation, and the importance of the study. Dr. Hon’s research is “Duplex ultrasound surveillance for deep vein thrombosis after acute traumatic spinal cord injury at rehabilitation admission,” and was published online on April 2, 2019.
Dr. Hon, who is board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R), has dedicated her career to improving the lives of people with spinal cord injuries. She has conducted research during her residency and fellowship and has presented at national conferences.
Dr. Hon received her medical degree from Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. She completed her PM&R residency at Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School (NJMS)/Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation. Afterward, she completed her fellowship in Spinal Cord Injury Medicine at Rutgers-NJMS/Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation, according to the statement.
At JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute, Dr. Hon works with an interdisciplinary team highly-skilled in treating all aspects of spinal cord injury and enabling patients to maximize their recovery and meet their individual goals.