Introducing Our Newly Elected Vice President and the addition of Global Outreach Director: Strengthening Our Commitment to Global Rehabilitation
June 21, 2023
We are excited to announce the election of Dr. Mary Elizabeth Nelson as our Vice President and the addition of Dr. Yunna Sinskey as the new Global Outreach Director to our board.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Mary Elizabeth Nelson on her new role as Vice President and welcoming Dr. Yunna Sinskey as our new board member and Global Outreach Director. Their expertise, passion, and commitment will undoubtedly contribute to our mission of advancing rehabilitation globally.
Dr. Nelson, a passionate advocate for team-based care and the promotion of rehabilitation services in low- and middle-income countries, has been voted in as our Vice President.
Dr. Nelson's journey has been driven by the belief that when everyone is aligned with the same ultimate goals, success becomes inevitable. With a focus on supporting and promoting rehabilitation services worldwide, she is poised to lead efforts in fostering interdisciplinary global health capacity building, training programs, and research. Her vision extends beyond the present, as she aims to build the next generation of global rehabilitation professionals.
Drawing on her extensive experience in promoting change at governmental levels, Dr. Nelson brings an interdisciplinary focus to team building. She understands the unique needs of medical professionals and the individuals who benefit from rehabilitation services. With over 25 years of direct patient care in diverse rehabilitation settings and a Doctorate in Nursing, her research mindset and problem-solving skills will undoubtedly contribute to the growth and impact of our organization.
When not providing direct patient care in Wisconsin, USA, or collaborating with global health partners on international projects, Dr. Nelson enjoys the simple pleasures of life. Engaging in outdoor activities with her family and beloved dogs, she finds solace in tending to her vegetable garden, exploring new cultures and environments, and immersing herself in the wonders of SCUBA diving.
We are honored to have Dr. Nelson join our leadership team and are excited about the positive changes she will bring to our organization
Dr. Yunna Sinskey was one of the founding members who played a pivotal role in establishing the IRF's Africa Fellowship program. As a young professional with a boundless passion for making a difference, Dr. Sinskey brings a fresh energy and visionary perspective to our organization. We are excited to have her back, leading our global outreach efforts once again.
Dr. Sinskey completed her medical training at Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth and her PM&R residency at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital. Her exceptional dedication and unwavering commitment to promoting rehabilitation in resource-constrained settings globally have been instrumental in the success of our programs.
With her deep interest in South East Asia, Dr. Sinskey brings a unique perspective to develop and expand our work to build network and promote rehabilitation medicine in the region. Her upcoming Amputee Fellowship at the University of Washington, starting in June 2023, further augments her expertise in amputee medicine.
She is also passionate about developing low-cost sustainable technology to solve common physiatric problems, and improving local and global access to healthcare through telemedicine.
When Dr. Sinskey isn't transforming lives and communities through her work, she enjoys teaching new tricks to her beloved dog Daisy and finds solace in gardening. Her vibrant energy and dynamic approach to healthcare make her an invaluable asset to our organization.
Together, let us continue to make meaningful impact and advocate for rehabilitation as an essential health service.
About IRF
The International Rehabilitation Forum (IRF) is a non-profit organization committed to fostering expertise and collaboration in the development of relevant rehabilitation medicine practices in low-resource countries. Through its emphasis on capacity building, knowledge-sharing, and advocacy, the IRF aims to ensure that individuals with disabilities and rehabilitation needs, particularly those who are most vulnerable, receive the necessary care to regain their independence.
Areas you can get involved in the IRF
IRF partners with passionate minds and professionals with a variety of skills and backgrounds. We are physicians, nurses, rehabilitation consumers, allied health professionals, philanthropists, business admins, advocates and more. Together we transform the health paradigm to include rehabilitation medicine in low resource countries.
Currently seeking support in:
- Volunteer faculty for africa fellowship
- Social media enthusiast
- Fundraising
We are also looking for partnerships with medical institutions where IRF’s Africa Fellows can visit and gain hands-on experiences in PM&R practices and multidisciplinary PM&R team.