Press Releases: 2005 Releases

Dr. Mindy Lipson Aisen to Lead United Cerebral Palsy Research and Educational Foundation (10/12/2005)

Washington, DC, 2005 – The United Cerebral Palsy Research and Educational Foundation announced today the appointment of Dr. Mindy Lipson Aisen to Director and Chief Executive Officer.

While leading the United Cerebral Palsy Research and Educational Foundation, Dr. Aisen will direct day-to-day management and long-term strategy for the nation’s largest non-government agency sponsoring research of cerebral palsy and related developmental disabilities. She succeeds Dr. Murray Goldstein, who retired on September 30 after leading the Foundation for 12 years.

“It is a great pleasure to join an organization with a widely recognized history leading research and innovation,” said Dr. Aisen. “As Director of the United Cerebral Palsy Research and Educational Foundation, I will work to build on that history by increasing support for basic scientific research into the neurobiology of Cerebral Palsy. In addition, I want to develop research programs that will provide the data necessary to inform policy and services for people with disabilities.”

Prior to joining United Cerebral Palsy, Dr. Aisen was Director of Rehabilitation Research and Development at the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. In that role, she oversaw a tripling of VA centers for rehabilitation research.

However, her work at the Department of Veterans Affairs was just one step in a long career of creating strategies aimed at improving care for people with chronic conditions, neurological disorders and traumatic injuries.

Upon graduating from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1976 with a degree in mechanical engineering, Dr. Aisen’s first job was developing therapeutic toys for children with disabilities. One of her inventions is still on exhibit at the MIT museum.

Applying her interest in engineering towards medicine, she attended the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and specialized in neurology at Cornell Medical Center during residency.

“Today, technology is a primary solution to improving the quality of life and independence of people with disabilities, and Dr. Aisen’s unique ability to merge the disciplines of medicine and engineering especially suits her new role directing research.” said Stephen Bennett, President and CEO of United Cerebral Palsy.

Dr. Aisen led the Spinal Cord Injury Service at Burke Rehabilitation Center for 11 years, while serving as the attending neurologist at The New York Hospital. She has also taught at Cornell University Medical College and Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

A widely sought speaker and author of nearly 50 articles and publications, Dr. Aisen was recently elected to the Board of Directors of the American Academy of Neurology. She is also the former President of the American Society of Neurorehabilitation and a former member of the National Advisory Child Health and Human Development Council.

*** Please contact Jim Baker at (202) 973-7114 for a photograph of Dr. Aisen ***

About United Cerebral Palsy Research and Educational Foundation

The United Cerebral Palsy Research and Educational Foundation has sponsored research relevant to cerebral palsy and other developmental disabilities for more than 45 years. The Foundation continues to work with medical professionals around the world to find new ways to prevent the chronic condition that affects more than 765,000 Americans, and to improve the quality of life of people with developmental disabilities. For more information on the Foundation and advancements in cerebral palsy research, visit www.ucp.org or call (800) 872-5827.

Send This Article To A Friend