2025 Lindenauer Lecture - Edward A. Hurvitz, MD & Panel

On Thursday, October 23rd, 2025, the Weinberg Family Cerebral Palsy Center hosted its 12th Marilyn R. Lindenauer Distinguished Speaker  Series with invited speaker, Edward A. Hurvitz, MD, Professor, Adult and Pediatric Clinical Faculty, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at the University of Michigan. We featured a lecture and panel discussion on Aging and Developmental Disabilities.

Aging with cerebral palsy (CP) is an important conversation for our community, as advances in care mean more people with CP are now adults than children. Though CP begins in childhood, adults often face ongoing challenges such as pain, early aging, and mental health concerns. 

Our evening opened with guest speaker Edward A. Hurvitz, MD, with his presentation “Cerebral Palsy Grows Up.” A national leader in physical medicine and rehabilitation, Dr. Hurvitz discussed new research on adults with CP, and the growing focus on lifespan care. He highlighted a need to address chronic conditions such as pain and mental health, improve access to care, and engage the CP community in shaping research and services.

Following the lecture, Jason B. Carmel, MD, PhD, Executive Director of the WFCPC, moderated a panel discussion with guests and WFCPC clinicians, then took questions from our audience. Drawing on his orthopedic experience, WFCPC Clinical Director, Joshua E. Hyman, MD, noted that many adult patients develop conditions unrelated to CP, such as early spinal stenosis, underscoring the need for comprehensive adult care. Lisa Yoon, PT, DPT, PCS, emphasized that the transition from pediatric to adult care should begin as early as possible, allowing families to build a care team and resources as needs evolve. 

Psychiatrist Agnes Whitaker, MD, stressed the importance of including disability care in medical education, noting that many medical students receive limited exposure to CP. WFCPC family nurse practitioner, Eduardo del Rosario, PhD, FNP-BC, pointed out that among 385,000 nurse practitioners in the United States, very few are trained specifically in CP care, underscoring a gap in clinical training.

A highlight of the evening was remarks from Javier Santiago, MPA, an adult living with cerebral palsy, whose personal story offered insight into the day-to-day experiences of adults with CP. His reflections emphasized resilience and community connection. Dr. Yoon commented, “Javier is a remarkable representative of the CP community, and I hope he continues to use his voice and talents to help us all improve the lives of people with CP.”

Many adults with CP were also in the audience and shared their own experiences and questions. The evening concluded with a reception that encouraged continued conversation and connection among participants.

Invited Speaker

Edward A. Hurvitz, MD

Professor, Adult & Pediatric Clinical Faculty, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of Michigan

Panelists

Javier Santiago, MPA

Adult with CP

Joshua E. Hyman, MD 

Clinical Director, Weinberg Family Cerebral Palsy Center, Department of Orthopedic Surgery

Eduardo del Rosario, PhD, FNP-BC

Family Nurse Practitioner, Weinberg Family Cerebral Palsy Center, Department of Neurology

Lisa Yoon, PT, DPT, PCS

Physical Therapist, Weinberg Family Cerebral Palsy Center, Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine 

Agnes H. Whitaker, MD

Psychiatrist, Weinberg Family Cerebral Palsy Center, Department of Psychiatry

Moderator

Jason B. Carmel, MD, PhD

Executive Director, Weinberg Family CP Center, Department of Neurology

About Our Guest Panelists

Edward A. Hurvitz, MD

Edward A. Hurvitz is a Professor in the Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at the University of Michigan. He specializes in the diagnosis and management of pediatric onset disabilities, especially cerebral palsy (CP) through the lifespan. His research focuses on adolescents and adults, including areas such as health and fitness, health-related outcomes, and transition to adulthood. Dr. Hurvitz served as James W. Rae Collegiate Professor and Chair of the Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation from 2006 until early 2024. A national leader in this field, Dr. Hurvitz has held several national leadership positions, including the AAPMR, AACPDM and CP Research Network.

Javier Santiago, MPA

Javier is a lifelong New Yorker living with cerebral palsy. Diagnosed as a child, he attended a special needs school in Westchester County, NY, and he and his family, who are of Chilean and Puerto Rican heritage, faced many challenges navigating the healthcare system. Despite limitations in movement that required several surgeries in his youth, Javier has continued to build resilience and adaptability throughout his life. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a Master of Public Administration, and he is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Accountancy at Baruch College. Professionally, Javier has worked in the public sector in finance, where he has developed expertise in financial management, analysis, and compliance. Outside of his career, he is committed to maintaining his health and well-being through CrossFit, yoga, and strength training.

Reference: Cerebral Palsy Grows Up