AbilityLab Blog
See the latest news, updates and patient stories from Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Ranked No. 1 by U.S. News & World Report for 36th Consecutive Year
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab again has been recognized as the national leader in rehabilitation, topping the U.S. News & World Report list for the 36th consecutive year. It has been ranked the No. 1 rehabilitation hospital annually since 1991 and remains the only hospital of any kind to hold this distinction.
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First-of-Its-Kind Exoskeleton Therapy Could Redefine How Stroke Survivors Relearn to Walk
A first-of-its kind study led by scientists from Shirley Ryan AbilityLab and Northwestern University utilized lower-limb exoskeletons to facilitate therapist-patient interaction during functional tasks.
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Meet Wesley: ABC 7 Chicago Features Teen Patient Recovering From Spinal Stroke
ABC 7 Chicago recently featured Shirley Ryan AbilityLab patient Wesley F., a 15-year-old who experienced a rare spinal stroke that caused paralysis. The segment highlights Wesley’s determination, the support of his family and community, and the intensive inpatient rehabilitation he is undergoing at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.
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25 Years & Going Strong: Celebrating the Center for Aphasia Research & Treatment
For the past quarter century, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab's Center for Aphasia Research & Treatment has been a lifeline. Through clinical treatment, research, extensive programming and outreach, the center has — since day one — focused on creating connection and community among the people it serves.
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Dr. Cheri Blauwet Featured on Forbes’ “Accessibility 200” List
Forbes magazine honored Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s Cheri Blauwet, MD, senior vice president and chief clinical officer, by naming her to its “Accessibility 200” list of 2026.
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Tae Hwan Chung, MD, Appointed to Launch POTS and Autonomic Medicine Program
Tae Hwan Chung, MD, one of the world’s foremost experts on POTS and neuromuscular disorders, has been appointed to lead a comprehensive, multidisciplinary POTS and autonomic disorders program at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.
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WGN Spotlights Osseointegration Procedure for Patients With Limb Loss
WGN has aired a “Medical Watch” story featuring 60-year-old Chicagoan, Jerry V., whose leg was amputated after an injury when he was 20. For the past 40 years after his limb loss, Jerry used a traditional prosthesis that would suction to his residual limb. However, discomfort caused by the prosthesis limited how often he would wear it — and he often opted to use his wheelchair or crutches instead.
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Dr. Samman Shahpar Promoted to Section Chief of Cancer Rehabilitation
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab has promoted Samman Shahpar, MD, to section chief of cancer rehabilitation, a new role for the organization. This announcement comes as Shirley Ryan AbilityLab focuses on expanding its cancer rehabilitation program to serve more patients with cancer across its system of care.
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Research Spotlight: New Advances in Multiple Sclerosis Rehabilitation
Ongoing Multiple Sclerosis (MS) research at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab aims to help patients improve their long-term outcomes and independence.
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Honoring a Friend & Empowering a Community
Thanks to a generous gift from members Faye Katt and Ganesh Natarajan, the fitness center has a new tool to measure progress more accurately — a body composition analyzer.
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Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s Cheri Blauwet, MD, Recognized for Lasting Contributions to Paralympics
At a recent ceremony in New York, Cheri Blauwet, MD, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s chief clinical officer and senior vice president, received the William J. Hybl Paralympic Contributor Award from the United States Olympic & Paralympic Endowment (USOPE).
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Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s Chief Clinical Officer Joins Expert Panel, Podcast at World Medical Innovation Forum
Cheri Blauwet, MD, chief clinical officer and senior vice president, was a featured expert at the recent World Medical Innovation Forum hosted by Mass General Brigham.
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New York Times Features Exercise Routine Designed by Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Certified Hand Therapist
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab certified hand therapist and occupational therapist Michelle Annes, OTR/L, CHT, recently was featured in The New York Times — sharing exercises to improve upper-body mobility and functional movement so individuals can confidently handle everyday tasks, such as opening a jar or lifting a bag and engaging in hobbies they love like cooking or gardening.
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