RICHARD J. KATHRINS, Ph.D. President & CEO LEADERSHIP REPORT JANUARY 2016 The movie “Concussion” was released on December 25, providing an important account of the debilitating effects of repeated traumatic brain injury. The movie is based on the compelling, true story of forensic pathologist Dr. Bennet Omalu who conducted an autopsy in 2002 on Mike Webster, a lineman for the Pittsburgh Steelers, after he died unexpectedly. Dr. Omalu, along with Dr. Julian Bales, was the first to diagnose chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), similar to Alzheimer’s Disease, in a professional football player. After publishing his findings in Neurosurgery, Dr. Omalu dedicated himself to raising awareness about the dangers of football-related brain injury. He became an important voice in a subsequent class-action lawsuit against the NFL and was one of the founding members of The Brain Injury Research Institute with a mission to study “the short and long-term impact of brain injury, in general, and specifically in concussions.” As healthcare and rehabilitation professionals, we understand the critical danger and consequences that may be faced by those who experience a traumatic brain injury. The CDC estimates that 1.6-3.8 million sports and recreation-related concussions occur in this country each year. In addition, the CDC reports an estimated 5.3 million Americans live with a traumatic brain injury-related disability. Dr. Omalu’s work portrayed in this major motion picture will shine a much- needed spotlight on the growing incidence of sports-related concussion. The CDC reports that from 2001 to 2009, “the rate of ED visits for sports and recreation injuries with a diagnosis of concussion or TBI, alone or in combination with other injuries, rose 57 percent among children age 19 or younger.” It is crucial that we not only recognize this issue, but that we work to prevent these traumatic brain injuries from occurring. Sincerely, Richard J. Kathrins, Ph.D. President & CEO AWARDED BY OUR PROFESSION.