Dr. Michael Stubblefield from ReVital Cancer Rehabilitation at Select Medical presented on the essential role of cancer rehabilitation in restoring function and quality of life for Hodgkin Lymphoma survivors. He explained that cancer rehab addresses impairments caused by treatments at all stages, from diagnosis to end-of-life. Pain is a common issue, which can be neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, or nerve-related. Understanding each patient’s treatment specifics is crucial. Radiation Fibrosis (RF) is defined as the hardening of tissue in the radiation field, while Radiation Fibrosis Syndrome (RFS) refers to the clinical manifestations of this condition, which can affect various tissues, including nerves, muscles, and blood vessels. These issues tend to worsen over time and require a comprehensive approach for effective management. Dr. Stubblefield highlighted that despite 60-90% of survivors needing rehabilitation, only 5% receive it. The multidisciplinary approach covers various health aspects such as cardiac, pulmonary, and endocrine. He also discussed barriers to care such as lack of awareness, access issues, and adherence challenges. The ReVital program addresses these needs effectively, providing specialized care for cancer survivors. Don’t miss this insightful presentation on enhancing survivor care.
Dr. Michael D. Stubblefield is the Medical Director for Cancer Rehabilitation at Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation, National Medical Director for Select Medical’s ReVital Cancer Rehabilitation Program and National Medical Director for Complex Medical Rehabilitation for Select Medical’s Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospital Division. He is the former Chief of Cancer Rehabilitation at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. He is a Clinical Professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. He is board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R), Internal Medicine, and Electrodiagnostic Medicine. His primary clinical expertise is in the identification, evaluation, and rehabilitation of neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, pain, and functional disorders resulting from cancer and its treatment, particularly those caused by radiation and neurotoxic chemotherapy.
Dr. Stubblefield is an accomplished researcher who has published extensively, not only in the rehabilitation literature, but in oncology, pain management, palliative care, neurophysiology, and other journals. He has authored numerous review articles and book chapters in the field of cancer rehabilitation and is the editor of Cancer Rehabilitation: Principles and Practice, the only comprehensive textbook in this emerging field now in its second edition. Dr. Stubblefield is a fierce advocate for the development of cancer rehabilitation and survivorship programs and champions their role in restoring function and quality of life to cancer patients.