Transforming how we understand and treat traumatic brain injury (TBI).
The Joyce Massey TBI Summit brings together TBI experts from across the country to present their current research, discuss the future of the field and identify important barriers to improving outcomes. Since the inaugural Summit, we have welcomed the nation’s leading authorities as well as those who are just beginning their journey—a combination that opens the door to new ideas and possibilities.
The Summit is made possible through the generosity of the Joyce and Don Massey Family Foundation. Their vision for improving the treatment and care of TBI patients continues to motivate researchers across the globe.
The 2024 Joyce Massey TBI Summit
Keynote Speaker
Prior to his retirement after 32 years of active service, Lieutenant General (Retired) Eric B. Schoomaker, MD, PhD, FACP served as the 42nd U.S. Army Surgeon General & Commanding General of the U.S. Army Medical Command. He committed his career to meeting the health needs of soldiers, their families and veterans throughout the U.S., Europe and the Pacific, focusing on soldier medical readiness, enhancing battlefield care, establishing comprehensive behavioral healthcare, fostering a culture of trust, advancing comprehensive pain management, and promoting health by preventing combat wounds, injury and illness.
He is a Professor Emeritus in the Department of Military & Emergency Medicine, F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine at the nation’s only Federal health university, the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU) in Bethesda, MD. His principal interests are in both Complementary and Integrative Health & Medicine (CIHM) in the shift from a disease management-focused healthcare system to one more centered on the improvement and sustainment of health & well-being leading to optimal human performance. He promotes CIHM education and training for physicians and other health professionals, especially as they contribute to the management of acute and chronic pain. Doctor Schoomaker is also exploring the central importance of leadership education and training for health professionals, so as to realize USU’s vision as the nation’s “health leadership academy”.
Special Guest Speaker
The Weil Institute is thrilled to welcome Bob Woodruff, ABC News correspondent and traumatic brain injury survivor, who will share his story and experiences as part of a fireside chat.
In 2006, Bob was reporting on the transfer of power between US and Iraqi security forces for ABC’s “World News Tonight.” Bob’s armored vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb, and he sustained a life-threatening traumatic brain injury. Due to quick actions of brave soldiers, medics, and military medical professionals, Bob’s life was saved. Within days, he was transported to the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
There, Bob spent 36 days in a medically-induced coma. Lee, Bob’s wife, got to know the families of service members dealing with the impact of hidden injuries such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and depression. As Bob recovered, the Woodruff family resolved to raise awareness about the tough challenges veterans and military families are facing, and invest in solutions to help support them in the next chapter of their lives.
Mentors & Key Opinion Leaders
During the Summit, the experts below will participate as part of a discussion panel exploring the State of Research and Innovation in TBI.
