Hackensack Meridian Health, New Jersey’s largest and most comprehensive health system, is proud to announce that Talya Fleming, MD, Medical Director of the Stroke Recovery Program and Aftercare Program at Hackensack Meridian JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute, was awarded the Public Service, Health Equity and Advocacy Award from the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R). Dr. Fleming received the top honor during AAPM&R’s Annual Assembly in New Orleans for significantly enhancing the quality of life for individuals in vulnerable populations at risk for disabilities.
AAMP&R’s Public Service, Health Equity and Advocacy Award, previously named the Distinguished Public Service Award, was established by the Academy in 1981. Since then, recipients have been honored for their contributions through public service activities. Dr. Talya Fleming was honored for her work developing robust treatment programs and for her passion for advocating for individuals with stroke, Long COVID, the rehabilitation continuum of care and disparities within healthcare. She has dedicated much of her work to advocating for healthcare policies and practices to improve access to care for individuals with disabilities and under-resourced communities. Committee members selected Dr. Fleming for the highest distinction and recognition because she exemplifies the values of the AAPM&R and demonstrates the combination of clinical care and advocacy that creates bold leaders within physiatry.
“I’m honored and proud to receive this award, but with the understanding and recognition that there is still so much work to be done,” said Talya K. Fleming, MD, FAAPMR, Medical Director, Hackensack Meridian JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute. “My commitment to being a voice for the underserved remains steadfast, and I’m thankful for the support of my colleagues at Hackensack Meridian Health in supporting my advocacy efforts. This award serves as a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility to promote policies and practices that create positive, impactful change in the lives of our patients and our communities.”
Previous award recipients include former First Lady Michelle Obama (2012); Cheri A. Blauwet (2017), doctor and paralympic wheelchair racer; Peter Frates (2015), co-founder of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge; and dozens of other world-renowned doctors and researchers.
Dr. Fleming holds dual board certification in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation as well as Brain Injury Medicine and she serves as the Medical Director of the Stroke Recovery Program, Post-COVID Rehabilitation Program and Aftercare Programs at JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute. She’s also an associate professor of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine and Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. Dr. Fleming has presented research both nationally and internationally in areas including stroke rehabilitation, cardiac rehabilitation, brain injury medicine, post-acute care rehabilitation, and transitions of care. She is also a leader within the AAPM&R serving on several executive committees, clinical committees, and scholarly journal accomplishments.
“Dr. Talya Fleming is an exemplary leader within our community and the Hackensack Meridian Health network,” said Sara J. Cuccurullo, MD, Vice President and Medical Director for JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute and Physician-in-Chief Rehabilitation Care Transformation Service for Hackensack Meridian Health. “Her innovative approach to clinical research and her commitment to advocacy have set a standard of excellence that is inspirational. She is incredibly deserving of this award and it further attests to her important contributions to the field of rehabilitation medicine and her dedication to improving the lives of those we serve.”
In addition to receiving this award, Dr. Fleming is co-principal investigator of the pioneering Stroke-HEARTTM Trials at JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute. The research shows immense value in cardiac rehabilitation for stroke survivors and has the potential to change the future of care for stroke survivors in America. She also served as a presenter at the Annual Assembly on the topic of Transitioning to Value-Based Stroke Care as well as Essential Updates in the Physiatric Management of Post-COVID Conditions: Autonomic, Neurologic, Cognitive and Pediatric Disorders: Healthcare Disparities in COVID-19 and PASC and AAPM&R’s position in DEI.
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ABOUT HACKENSACK MERIDIAN HEALTH
Hackensack Meridian Health is a leading not-for-profit health care organization that is the largest, most comprehensive and truly integrated health care network in New Jersey, offering a complete range of medical services, innovative research and life-enhancing care. The network has 18 hospitals and more than 500 patient care locations, which include ambulatory care centers, surgery centers, home health services, long-term care and assisted living communities, ambulance services, lifesaving air medical transportation, rehabilitation centers, urgent care centers, physician practice locations, and a fitness and wellness center. With more than 35,000 team members and 7,000 physicians, Hackensack Meridian Health is a distinguished leader in health care philanthropy and committed to the health and well-being of communities throughout New Jersey.
The network’s notable distinctions include having the only #1 ranked adult and children’s hospitals in New Jersey, as ranked by U.S. News & World Report, 2023-24. Hackensack University Medical Center is nationally-ranked by U.S. News & World Report in six specialties. To learn more, visit www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org.
SOURCE; HACKENSACK MERIDIAN HEALTH
