Ning Cao, MD, is a physiatrist with nearly 10 years of diverse experience in stroke rehabilitation and recovery. Board-certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation as well as brain injury medicine, she currently serves as a co-director of the MossRehab Stroke Rehabilitation Program and clinical associate professor of Rehabilitation Medicine at Thomas Jefferson University.

We talked to Dr. Cao about her practice, role as co-director of the MossRehab Stroke Rehabilitation Program, and new treatments in stroke rehabilitation.

What are your background and training?

I attended medical school in China then moved to the United States to complete my research and medical training. I worked as a researcher before moving into stroke rehabilitation clinical practice and become a clinician and educator. I hold board certifications in physical medicine and rehabilitation, and brain injury medicine. These certifications add to my training and expertise in the prevention, evaluation, treatment and rehabilitation of individuals with acquired brain injury. The additional training serves to assure us to deliver high-quality care to the patients with debilitating conditions.

Because of my background, I am very interested in oriental medicine and became a certified medical acupuncturist. I also obtained my musculoskeletal sonography certification to equip me to provide comprehensive care as a physiatrist to improve the functional aspects of my patients. I am also a member of the Association of Academic Physiatrists and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. I’ve presented at their national and international meetings on stroke rehabilitation practice and research.

What positions have you held before establishing your practice at MossRehab?

I served as medical director for the stroke rehabilitation program in the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department at Johns Hopkins University and Medical Center. There, I won the Golden Goniometer award for Best Teacher of the Year. I’ve been an attending physician at MossRehab Elkins Park since 2015. As a physiatrist, I care for individuals who experienced a stroke or other types of acquired brain injury in both an inpatient and outpatient setting.

Can you tell us about your role as co-director of the MossRehab Stroke Rehabilitation Program?

The MossRehab Stroke Rehabilitation Program offers a continuum of care for individuals with stroke and other neurological conditions to return to their lives. We are looking to further expand this program throughout the Einstein Healthcare Network, which includes inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation settings as well as the community. Ideally, we are hoping to be more accessible to the patients who need services and expand our capability to manage the challenging and medically-complex stroke cases locally and nationwide.  

Another part of my role and also my passion is collaborating with the scientists at MossRehab Rehabilitation Research Institute (MRRI) who are advancing new evidence-based practices to translate findings into clinical practice of our stroke rehabilitation program. The technology and research in stroke rehabilitation have grown quickly in the past ten years. As a result, we must change some of our conventional treatment for patients recovering from stroke. It is very important to incorporate the theory from scientific work into real-world practices. As such, we want to incorporate best practice principles and cutting-edge technology to improve patient outcomes. Our dedicated clinicians are leading the advancement of treatments and bridging the gap from the benchwork to our daily practices. That’s why MossRehab has better patient outcomes compared to other regions. Our goals are to further promote the rehabilitation care at both the national and international level.

What kind of patients do you treat in your practice?    

I primarily care for patients recovering from stroke in the acute inpatient rehab setting and post-acute settings. My practice is located in the Drucker Brain Injury Center and stroke rehab center at MossRehab Elkins Park. The consequences of sudden vascular event in brain may result in loss of daily life skills, problems in walking, loss of sensation, vision, swallow ability, and trouble speaking or understanding. I collaborate with the interdisciplinary treatment team (physical therapy, occupational therapy, recreational therapy, speech therapy, neuropsychology etc.) to develop an individualized rehabilitation treatment plan to minimize medical complications and maximize functional gains during their recovery process.

Another part of our work is to coordinate care with different specialists to help high-risk patients avoid another stroke with guidance on lifestyle changes, nutrition and exercise to treat underlying health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia. As many stroke victims are elderly, they may have suffered other musculoskeletal conditions. I also apply the skills in the acupuncture and the musculoskeletal fields to help patients overcome barriers for their functional improvement.

Are more younger patients experiencing a stroke due to substance misuse?

Substance misuse is a rising cause among young stroke victims. The pandemic and its impact on resources, family, and work prompted a growing trend of substance misuse among the young that lead to a stroke. Individuals unable to get needed support relied on drugs as a coping strategy. Unfortunately, younger people do not believe they can suffer a stroke due to their age and do not seek help when experiencing symptoms. It is a growing concern in our society.

Do you see new treatments for stroke rehabilitation?

There is still much unknown about the brain, and we are still learning. We continue to implement findings from research into our practices. Clinical trials give us more answers that we can use in our toolbox to enhance outcomes. For example, new robotic devices that feature virtual reality and computer-based games can help increase the intensity of rehabilitation training for patients recovering from stroke. Studies show that a more intensive and higher dosage of exercise in a certain amount of time results in a better recovery. We are also exploring the clinical use of non-invasive brain stimulation for recovery prediction and 3D printing to improve the patient’s satisfaction.

Why are you affiliated with MossRehab?

MossRehab has very experienced clinicians dedicated to stroke rehabilitation and an established national and international reputation in the field. Patients can get the most advanced treatments needed from an interdisciplinary team to see the best outcomes. MossRehab also has the largest collection of robotic devices and experts who know how to use them to make a difference in rehabilitation outcomes. MRRI research also keeps MossRehab on the cutting edge of best practices and treatments.

What are your clinical interests?

I am passionate about neuroscience or brain signals. I also like to translate theory into patient care. That’s why I transitioned from research into the clinical world. It’s very rewarding to help patients overcome challenges after they suffered a life-changing event.

And what inspires you as a physiatrist?

I am inspired by the many miracle stories from my patients who overcome obstacles that sometimes looked impossible. I also am inspired by my coworkers and experts in the field at MossRehab including Dr. Esquenazi, Dr. Mayer, Dr. Saulino, and Dr. Watanabe who are leading the neuro rehab advancement and dedicated to the patient care. MRRI research scientists also provide the knowledge that keeps us better understand brain injury treatment and mechanisms behind brain recovery.

What is something that your co-workers might not know about you?

In my heart, I’m still kind of an adventurer. I like to learn about new things and go to new places. Many people might not think that I have an adventurous spirit. But, moving to the United States was a big adventure, especially when I had no idea of what was ahead of me.

What is your life motto?

I like the idea that “You may not end up where you thought you were going, but you will always end up where you were meant to be”. We sometimes make plans, but it doesn't follow through because of outside forces like the pandemic. As long as you still have dreams, your plans for the future will get closer.

Learn more about Dr. Cao and how you can request an appointment with her.