From the November 2015 issue of HealthCare Business News magazine
The column caught the attention of many wealthy individuals who helped Rusk establish an institute dedicated to rehabilitative medicine at New York University. Many patients who suffered a stroke, an amputation or were paralyzed in an accident sought the care of Rusk and his staff. He also treated famous patients, such as the Brooklyn Dodgers catcher Roy Campanella. The athlete underwent much physical therapy after a major accident and regained the use of his arms.
Rusk also established the first medical training program for aspiring medical professionals who wanted to specialize in rehabilitative medicine. In 1955, he founded the World Rehabilitation Fund, an organization that, to this day, exists to improve the lives of disabled people all over the world. As a pioneer and expert in rehabilitative medicine, Rusk served as an advisor to a number of U.S. presidents, as well as the United Nations. He earned numerous accolades for his work, including a Nobel Peace Prize nomination. Rusk died on Nov. 4, 1989, from stroke-related complications. He is buried in Missouri. The University of Missouri named its rehabilitative center after Rusk, one of its most prominent and accomplished alumni.
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