Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience Jefferson Health

01/21/2026

Su***de prevention is a year-round effort. The Jefferson Health David Farber ASPIRE Center, part of the Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience (VJFIN), is helping lead this work. Amanda Blue, education director at the ASPIRE Center, is helping dispel myths about su***de risk and empowering communities to recognize warning signs and support one another.

Research shows that rates of su***de are actually higher during the warmer months of the year, not during the winter holidays, a common misconception.

01/14/2026

More than 40 members of the Stratford Senior Center joined Mary Ledwith, Corporate Director of Neuroscience, for an engaging discussion on stroke signs, symptoms and prevention. Mary emphasized the importance of early recognition and quick action in saving lives, empowering seniors with the knowledge to protect themselves and those they love. One attendee shared, "The speaker was phenomenal; I learned so much."

01/05/2026

Neuroscience researchers from three world-class institutions — Thomas Jefferson University’s Farber Institute, Policlinico Gemelli Hospital (Italy), and Sheba Medical Center (Israel) — came together at Jefferson in November for a two-day research retreat. The gathering sparked in-depth discussions and fresh ideas for future collaborations.

This partnership, now three years strong, brings together diverse expertise across preclinical and clinical studies, several already published. As Farber Institute leader Dr. Robert Rosenwasser said, each lab brings unique strengths, and the science produced at the meeting “was beyond expectations.”

12/12/2025

We’re celebrating a major milestone at Jefferson Washington Township Hospital!

Ritam Ghosh, MD, and our neurosurgical team have successfully completed the hospital’s first Paired Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) therapy procedure for stroke rehabilitation and recovery — an accomplishment more than a year in the making.

This advanced neurorehabilitation therapy is now available for the very first time at our South Jersey campus, expanding access to innovative treatment options for stroke survivors in our community.

Proud of our team and the impact this will have for patients across the region. 💙🧠

Learn more about neurological care at Jefferson Health: https://bit.ly/4aaZ5rm

12/12/2025

Fleming Neuroscience Institute Physician in Chief, Steven Lewis, MD, shared his expertise on the importance and role of general neurology in academic medicine in conversation with Amy Pruitt, MD (University of Pennsylvania), in a recent Association of Academic Leaders of Neurology (Formerly Assoc. of University Professors of Neurology)(AALN) Leading Edge podcast.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2Jh58Wx8QKb28r5azXXLEs?si=vdWm2gt-Rca6gyeSCKKsqA

12/08/2025

Bob and his wife Linda’s lives were forever changed when he suffered a stroke in October 2023. After undergoing a successful thrombectomy at Jefferson Torresdale Hospital, Bob began a rehabilitation journey that exemplifies resilience and the impact of leading-edge therapy. Today, he has regained independence in daily activities, improved his speech fluency and restored strength.

His journey underscores the power of collaboration and implantable vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) paired with intensive rehabilitation therapy in transforming lives.

After a sudden ischemic stroke, Bob Craven lost the ability to speak and move his right arm. With support from his wife and advanced treatment at Jefferson Health, he’s reclaiming his strength and his voice.

11/22/2025

Neurosurgeon Ritam Ghosh, MD, and Mary Ledwith, Corporate Director of Neuroscience, recently spoke with members of the Garden State Rotary Club of Cherry Hill about stroke prevention and the importance of fast treatment. They highlighted conditions like carotid stenosis and the critical role of Comprehensive Stroke Centers in saving lives when every second counts. Jefferson Washington Township Hospital’s Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience is proud to be recognized as a Comprehensive Stroke Center by The Joint Commission and the American Heart Association.

Learn more at JeffersonHealth.org/stroke.

11/18/2025

🚨 Brain Saver Award – October Champions! 🧠✨
We’re excited to recognize the outstanding team behind October’s fastest door-to-drug time for TNK treatment in acute stroke care!

This award honors the Jefferson Health - Abington Emergency Department RN, ED physician, CT Tech, and Neurovascular APP who worked together to deliver lifesaving care at record speed. October’s top-performing team achieved an incredible 19-minute door-to-drug time!

Please join us in celebrating:
• Elizabeth Gerhard, RN
• James Rowley, MD
• Kristin Ploshay, CT Tech
• Amanda Betteridge, NV APP

Each team member received a Brain Saver award and a “Time is Brain, I Saved One” pin in recognition of their rapid, coordinated care.

💥 And here’s the truly amazing part: on the same day this case occurred, the Jefferson Health - Abington Hospital Emergency Department treated three stroke patients. All three received TNK within the 30-minute goal window, and two also went on to receive mechanical thrombectomy—hitting every goal time for thrombectomy treatment.

We are incredibly proud of our team’s dedication and their commitment to giving patients the best possible chance for recovery. ❤️👏

11/16/2025

A meaningful and impactful week at the Weinberg ALS Center.

This past week reminded us how strong the neuroscience community is when we move forward together.

We began with the Walk to End ALS, standing alongside families, caregivers, and supporters. Soon after, we joined international colleagues from Sheba Medical Center (Israel) and Gemelli/Cattolica University (Italy) for a 3-day Symposium hosted by Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience Jefferson Health. Together, we exchanged insights across brain diseases—including ALS, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, and MS—advancing shared understanding in science and clinical care.
Later in the week, at the Life Sciences PA Patient Summit, Dr. Pasinelli joined a thoughtful conversation with Dr. Daniela Zarnescu (Penn State Hershey), our friend living with ALS, ALS United Mid-Atlantic, and State Representative Kyle J. Mullins highlighting why research, advocacy, and collaboration remain essential. We then closed the week at a heartfelt luncheon hosted by ALS United Mid-Atlantic, where Senator Chris C***s joined attendees in honoring individuals and families living with ALS.

ALS doesn’t recognize borders or politics, and it leaves no room for silos. Our progress depends on working together—across institutions, states, and countries.

We are grateful to our colleagues and collaborators; we are grateful for the people living with ALS who work tirelessly as research ambassadors to advocate for the community and share their stories. We are grateful to Representative Kyle Mullins, our partners across Pennsylvania, and Governor Josh Shapiro for supporting the $5M appropriation dedicated to neurodegenerative disease research. This investment brings hope and momentum to all working toward better treatments.






Andrea Woitas Fulginiti
Lisa Hess Rosica
Cronin

Family Strong 4 ALS

11/14/2025

🎉 We’re excited to announce that our own Prof. Steven Lewis has been elected President of the World Federation of Neurology, beginning January 1, 2026!

Prof. Lewis is a renowned neurologist, dedicated to advancing global neurology education, training, and access to care. We’re so proud to have his leadership and vision as part of our Jefferson Health family.

Please join us in congratulating him on this well-deserved achievement! 🎊

11/07/2025

The King of Prussia District and Upper Merion Township hosted its 6th Annual First Responders Appreciation Week to honor the incredible work of first responders who keep our communities safe. Jefferson is especially proud to partner with UMT on our Mobile Stroke Unit 2.0, as part of our continued commitment to advancing emergency care. It’s an honor to work alongside such an amazing team, making a real impact every day!