By Mckenna Graham
Photos by Matt Johnson
Since 1954 UofL Health - Frazier Rehabilitation Institute has been offering patients high-quality rehabilitative care, boasting the latest technology, expert clinical support, and some of the best patient outcomes nationally. In February 2023, Frazier Rehab welcomed Daniel Hudson to the helm as their new CEO. Hudson, who has worked in the healthcare field for nearly 30 years, beginning as an Occupational Therapist, graciously offered to tell us a little more about himself, his experience in the healthcare field, and his hopes and aspirations for the future of the Frazier Rehabilitation Institute.
Q: Do you have any personal stories from your life and/or health journey that connect you to your work in the healthcare field?
Hudson: Being able to be part of a patient’s recovery is the ultimate reward. Since I have been at Frazier Rehab, I have gotten to know many patients and families that have faced significant medical and psychosocial challenges, through their hard work and the inspirational care provided at Frazier Rehab they were able to return home - at the end of the day that makes our work feel worthwhile.
Q: Are you from Louisville? If not, where do you consider your hometown?
Hudson: I am originally from Cincinnati but attended Eastern Kentucky University and have lived in Kentucky since 1993.
Q: For the readers who are unfamiliar with the Frazier Rehabilitation Institute, can you tell us a little about it in your own words?
Hudson: UofL Health – Frazier Rehabilitation Institute was established in 1954 by Amelia Brown Frazier. Following her own search for the best rehabilitative care in the U.S., she wanted to ensure that residents of Kentucky and our region had the same opportunity for high-quality rehab. At that time, a rehabilitation hospital was a new concept. So less than 10 years from the founding of rehab hospitals in places such as New York, Frazier Rehab was opened in Louisville. Since that time, the hospital has grown from 33 inpatient beds to 135 and is now one of the largest non-profit rehabilitation hospitals in the nation. Additionally, Frazier Rehab has more than 20 outpatient locations so individuals can receive therapy close to their homes.
Q: What makes Frazier Rehab unique?
Hudson: A number of factors differentiate Frazier Rehab from other rehab hospitals. First, we serve patients of all ages – from pediatric to geriatric. We also treat patients with a wide variety of conditions – caring for patients who have neurological disorders, amputations, other orthopedic conditions, those recovering from transplants, individuals on ventilators, and those needing pulmonary care. Frazier Rehab also has nationally accredited programs for brain injury, stroke, neurological disorders, and spinal cord injury. Our Frazier Rehab and UofL Health continuum of care takes patients from the acute hospital setting to inpatient rehabilitation, specialized centers, outpatient therapy, and wellness in our Community Fitness & Wellness gym.
Q: What are you excited about most in this new position?
Hudson: Our Frazier Rehab and UofL Health continuum of care has the potential to be recognized as one of the best both nationally and internationally. This continuum model of care is unique, and combined with our clinical expertise, care for the highest acuity, the variety of diagnoses served, exceptional clinical outcomes and cutting-edge technologies, Frazier Rehab truly is set apart from other rehab facilities. Frazier Rehab continues to clinically innovate by investing in new programs to better serve our patients – we recently opened our Center for Advanced NeroRehab on our downtown campus and Frazier Rehab Sports in several locations throughout the region.
Q: What are your hopes for the future of Frazier Rehab?
Hudson: Frazier Rehab’s solid reputation was established and has been nurtured by all of the previous leaders – people such as Joanne Berryman and Cathy Spalding. I want to help build the reputation further. I strongly believe Frazier Rehab will continue to be nationally and internationally known for the excellent services provided. Our city, region, and state also need to know what an asset Frazier Rehab is to our citizens.