ASNR 35th Anniversary Page

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ASNR Presidents Past and Current Reflect on 35 Years:

What started as a few neurologists discussing the importance of rehabilitation for their patients led to the development of the American Society of Neurorehabilitation (ASNR) in 1990. The society’s goal was to address the growing need to advance clinical care, basic science, and clinical research surrounding the rehabilitation and management of people with chronic neurological disabilities. Thirty-five years later, this is still a driving force behind the ASNR’s mission to advance the science of neurorehabilitation and neural repair from understanding to application. We're excited to celebrate ASNR's 35th Anniversary and to share perspectives from some of the leaders in the field who have shaped ASNR, as well as the field of neurorehabilitation, over the years.

As a clinician-scientist becoming more involved in research, ASNR Past President Dr. A.M. Barrett discovered that many patients with neurological conditions don't get outpatient rehabilitation. If they do, they often don't get it during the window when it might be most effective, or they may not be getting evidence-based therapy. For ASNR Past President Dr. Carolee Winstein, it was a need to know why her patients showed such variable responses to the evidence-based interventions she delivered. In both cases, a strong desire to ensure people with neurological conditions get the best possible care contributed to a desire to pursue neurorehabilitation research and leadership. 

The strong motivation to find solutions to better serve the increasing number of people living with neurological conditions continues to unite Members of ASNR today, even as the organization has evolved over time to become more multidisciplinary. As Past President Dr. Krish Sathian reflected, “It arose as an offshoot of the neurology organizations and has really transformed into an organization that is sitting right at the intersection of neurorehab and neuroscience.”

ASNR has continued to grow over time, and an important milestone for the society was the establishment of independent Annual Meetings. This was a major change, and Past President Dr. George Wittenberg and other leaders were instrumental in guiding ASNR through this transition, and the first independent meeting was held in 2022. Navigating the COVID-19 Pandemic was another landmark that soon followed and shaped the ASNR’s approach to educational initiatives, prompting the development of year-round virtual content and resources in addition to the independent Annual Meeting. Dr. Al Lo was President at the time, and he noted that, “COVID was another unexpected twist as we at ASNR were navigating how to implement new strategies as an independent organization.”

Neurorehabilitation is a rapidly growing and dynamic field, and Dr. Tom Carmichael expressed enthusiasm for the vibrant community in ASNR and how his prior role as President gave him the opportunity to further shape the organization and guide the future of the field. Through the efforts of exceptional leaders, ASNR has developed and sustained a thriving and welcoming community of members who are passionate about neurorehabilitation. Immediate Past President Dr. Catherine Lang recounted, “It has also been really rewarding to continue to be a force for change. We have come a long way from my early experience as the only woman on the Program Committee to where we are today with women representing nearly half of the members of the Executive Committee and Board of Directors, as well as more than half of our Program, Education, and Member Engagement Committees.”

Looking towards the future, current President Dr. Lewis Wheaton emphasized that, “ASNR remains committed to its mission and in fostering diversity, inclusion, and equity in opportunity in the growth and development of the field of neurorehabilitation. As President, I’m excited to continue advancing the mission of our society—supporting our vibrant community, nurturing the next generation of scientists, and shaping the future of neurorehabilitation.”

ASNR remains deeply committed to being: 

• A source of career support for professionals at every stage
• A beacon of interdisciplinary collaboration across research and practice
• A shared space for growth, where we exchange ideas and elevate our collective work in neurorehabilitation.

Dr. Wheaton affirmed that, “Together, we are building a bright future—driven by the passion, innovation, and dedication of our members.”