Translational research hospital for complex rehabilitation and recovery
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab operates as a 1,200+ bed research hospital where clinicians, researchers, and technologists work alongside patients in real time. The organization runs on legacy healthcare infrastructure (Cerner, Epic) while managing complex operational challenges—staffing shortages, audit compliance, integration with third-party systems, and data standardization across clinical and research workflows. Hiring is accelerating across healthcare roles, with concurrent pressure on downstream system integration and Cerner platform modernization.
Notable leadership hires: Director, Chief Medical Affairs, Chief Nursing Officer
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is a nonprofit research hospital in Chicago specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation for adults and children with severe, complex conditions including spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, stroke, amputation, and cancer-related impairment. The organization combines clinical care and translational research under one roof, enabling real-time application of discoveries to patient treatment. The hospital operates across clinical research protocols, outcome standardization, regulatory reporting (Medicare/Medicaid), and evidence-based intervention review. Current operational priorities include staffing expansion, systems integration, data integrity across clinical platforms, and inventory management.
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation for adults and children with severe, complex conditions such as spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, stroke, and amputation. The hospital integrates clinical care and translational research in a single facility.
The organization uses Cerner Millennium and Epic Systems for clinical records, Tableau for reporting, Webex and Zoom for collaboration, Microsoft Office suite, and Crestron for facility management. They are planning a Cerner upgrade.
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