Vice President of Research & Innovation
Shepherd Center
With more than 35 years of experience in the neurorehabilitation field, Dr. Backus is known for her innovative approach to translating meaningful evidence into practice, facilitating clinician involvement in research activities, incorporating technology into clinical programs, and integrating standardized outcome assessment into routine clinical practice to better guide clinical care. In addition to serving as vice president of research and innovation, she is the director of the Virginia C. Crawford Research Institute and director of multiple sclerosis (MS) research at Shepherd Center in Atlanta, Georgia.
At Shepherd Center, Dr. Backus has initiated several programs to accelerate the practical application of innovation and technology to support the rehabilitation and independence of the patient populations Shepherd serves. These programs include building out a data analytics infrastructure to drive precision rehabilitation for patients; partnering with an innovative online platform to provide accessible exercise opportunities for people with disabilities; expanding assistive technology research and innovation to democratize activities of daily living for patients; and combining novel therapies to drive neuroplasticity.
Dr. Backus received her bachelor’s degree in physical therapy from Boston University in 1986. She earned her doctorate in neuroscience from Emory University in 2004. Her research has been funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Institute on Disability Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR), and the National MS Society.
Dr. Backus is the immediate past president of the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine (ACRM) and was one of the founding editors for the Archives of Rehabilitation Research & Clinical Translation. Her mission is to empower patients, students, and colleagues to achieve their greatest potential, and to advance rehabilitation science and care for people with disability due to neurological injury or disease.
The Hilton Anatole in Dallas is an extraordinary venue & the perfect scene for the collaboration, in-depth learning, and connections made at the ACRM Annual Conference.
The space is lovely, showcasing the largest art collection of any American hotel, with works ranging from paintings and sculpture to a piece of the Berlin Wall.
Open and inviting, the Anatole is designed for artful collaboration. There’s plenty of public seating for impromptu meetings, two full-service restaurants, two counter-service cafes, a contemporary bar, shopping, spa, outdoor circuit trail, world-class gym, indoor pool and more—all onsite.
ACRM has secured incredible savings on Hilton with the negotiated rate of $250/night (and government rates as low as $164) — unheard of prices these days for a premium hotel.
As an additional bonus you may extend your stay at these fantastic ACRM-discounted rates for up to three days prior to and three days post-conference, subject to availability.
Book today at the headquarters Hilton, visit ACRM.org/venue.
ACRM Spring Meeting | ACRM Training Institute (ATI) #ACRMSpring24
DALLAS • 18 – 20 APRIL 2024
HILTON Anatole • 2201 North Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, TX 75207
*** Presenter and session information subject to change ***
ACRM Spring Meeting | ACRM Training Institute (ATI) #ACRMSpring24
HILTON Anatole • DALLAS • 18 – 20 April 2024
ACRM | 11654 Plaza America Drive, Suite 535 | Reston, VA 20190-4700
TEL: +1.703.435.5335 | FAX: +1.866.692.1619 | EMAIL: info@ACRM.org