Howard Rusk

Howard Rusk was an influential American physician and a pioneer in rehabilitation medicine. He is best known for founding the Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine at New York University in 1948, which became a model for treating patients with disabilities. Rusk's approach emphasized the importance of rehabilitation in helping individuals recover and regain independence after illness or injury. He advocated for holistic treatment that included physical therapy, psychological support, and social reintegration, believing that effective rehabilitation should focus not just on physical healing but also on improving overall quality of life. His work has had a lasting impact on how rehabilitation is understood and practiced today.