Drew Sherlock of West Chester knows better than anyone how a catastrophic event -- a car crash, horseback riding fall or sports injury -- can change someone's life suddenly, unexpectedly and forever. The 43-year-old sports enthusiast was driving home at night when he missed a curve on a dark road and hit a telephone pole, breaking his spine just below his neck and leaving him paralyzed from mid-chest down.

The process of coping with his illness has required persistence, shifts in his thinking and new goals. His priority today is to make the most of the muscles and nerves still at his command. "You've got to work with what you've got now, and hope for more tomorrow," he says with a determined smile.

As one of the country's largest and most respected rehabilitation resources, Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital has empowered individuals with spinal cord injuries and illness to make incredible strides in their lives. Whether involved in a catastrophic accident or struck by an illness such as multiple sclerosis or a spinal cord tumor, spinal cord patients have many years ahead of them and deserve the best quality of life possible.

Nowhere is a team approach more essential than with spinal cord disorders. "The rehabilitation process requires attention to physical, emotional, social and vocational needs. The goal of our highly individualized program of care is to help each person build self-reliance and compensate for deficits," says John Kraus, M.D., who is the hospital's Medical Director. A board certified physiatrist, Dr. Kraus oversees programs for patients with spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, amputations, orthopedic problems and arthritis. He also provides medical direction for RehabWorks, Bryn Rehab Hospital's program for individuals with work-related injuries or chronic pain.

Years of Experience, Highly Respected
Dr. Kraus, one of the most respected spinal cord physicians in the region, recently received certification in Pain Medicine from the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. This subspecialty board certification recognizes his special qualifications to oversee a pain management program that addresses the physical, psychological and social dimensions of pain. In addition, he is board certified in spinal cord injury medicine and holds a master's degree in medical management from Tulane University.

As team leader, Dr. Kraus has 25 years experience in treating spinal cord disorders. He brings together other physicians, therapists, nurses, and other specialists into a team that forms the foundation for 1) all inpatient and outpatient care, 2) an innovative Day Treatment Program that helps individuals solve real-life problems, 3) community re-entry services and 4) lifetime follow-up care.

Catalyst for Recovery
"We also involve the family in treatment planning and goal setting to speed recovery," Dr. Kraus says. "With the family, we look for that spark, that special interest that can serve as a catalyst for recovery, whether it's a hobby, sports, or job skills. Our patients are very motivated to make strides."