The Burke Medical Hospital and Research Institute is known nationwide for its broad range of rehabilitation services. It is less known for its research and biotechnology. That's changing, and the institute's full array of capabilities which cover such areas as stroke, brain and spinal cord injuries, robotics and pharmacology, were on display this week as County Executive Robert P. Astorino toured the White Plains campus.
"The outstanding work being conducted at the Burke Research Institute in conjunction with its rehabilitation hospital is yet another example of why Westchester is truly New York's 'Intellectual Capital,'" said Astorino. "Biotech companies and life science researchers such as Burke, Regeneron and Acorda Therapeutics are major contributors to the county's economic vitality. We are proud to have these industry leaders in Westchester and encourage them to continue to grow and take advantage of the county's talented work force."
"Burke is not only improving the medical health of people all over the country, but it is improving the economic health of Westchester County," added Astorino.
Burke recently joined the NY BioHud Valley consortium, a public-private partnership launched by the Hudson Valley Economic Development Corp. in October 2010 to promote the area as an east coast version of the Silicon Valley for biotechnology companies.
Dr. Rajiv Ratan, M.D., Ph.D, executive director of the Burke Medical Research Institute, led the tour which included a stop at Burke's robotics lab. Scientists at Burke have found that by combining drug treatment with robotics rehabilitation, patients recover more rapidly than by applying only one type of therapy.
"This was a wonderful opportunity to introduce Mr. Astorino to the basic, translational and clinical research being conducted in 16 laboratories that ultimately will lead to breakthroughs that will help better the quality of life of those who have suffered a debilitating injury or illness," Dr. Ratan said. "Through the work we do here at the Burke Medical Research Institute, we're looking forward to contributing to the Astorino administration's bio-tech efforts and are proud to be members of NY BioHud Valley."
Astorino also stopped by the Burke Hospital and met with Dr. Mary Beth Walsh, M.D., executive medical director and CEO. "We were delighted to host County Executive Astorino and his team today," said Walsh. "Rob took the time to talk to our patients and see firsthand their use of the unique, state of the art equipment that sets Burke apart and speeds their recovery. The county executive was particularly taken with the relationship between the Research Institute and the Hospital noting how fortunate Westchester residents are to have a medical facility in their backyard where the cutting edge research being done in one building directly benefits the patients in the hospital next door."