HealthSouth Vineland's Dr. Rocksmith
9/30/2010
VINELAND, N.J. - For Eugenio Rocksmith, M.D., director of brain injury services at HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Vineland, N.J., a career in medicine was not his first choice. A near-fatal car accident at the age of 24 was the catalyst that strengthened Dr. Rocksmith’s resolve to dedicate his work to helping patients like himself.
A graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, Dr. Rocksmith spent his early professional life as an officer in this branch of the Armed Forces. On his daily commute to work, however, an auto accident left Dr. Rocksmith with a severe brain injury. Following the accident, Dr. Rocksmith spent 12 days fighting for his life while in a coma. Eventually, he came out of his coma and began the long process of inpatient neurological rehabilitation. Given the severity of his accident, Dr. Rocksmith’s Air Force career was effectively over.
“After my accident, I was medically retired from the Air Force,” Dr. Rocksmith explains. “Although I could no longer serve my country through the military, my experience recovering from my brain injury inspired me to pursue a new career helping people overcome similar trauma.”
Over the course of his rehabilitation, the goal of pursuing a medical career was a constant source of inspiration for Dr. Rocksmith.
“Prior to my accident, I had discussed the possibility of going to medical school with my parents,” Dr. Rocksmith adds. “After my accident and the end of my military career, I had the perfect opportunity to return to school. As my recovery progressed, my ambition of becoming a doctor pushed me to work as hard as I could.”
After making his recovery, Dr. Rocksmith entered medical school at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. Upon graduating, he specialized in neurology and later sub-specialized in neurologic rehabilitation. Once he had completed training, he began his dream career.
Offering a unique perspective for the patients he treats, Dr. Rocksmith combines the physical and emotional aspects of healing, which results in more comprehensive and focused care for his patients.
“Most neurologists don’t have a real-world understanding of the effect a neurological injury or illness can have on a patient’s life,” Dr. Rocksmith says. “I have undergone treatment and rehabilitation for these complex injuries and know how difficult recovery can be. As a result, I provide my patients with assistance both as a physician who offers healing and as a fellow survivor who offers support.”
In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Rocksmith leads a monthly brain injury support group to help patients and families across New Jersey. Monthly meetings feature testimonials from survivors and book studies, along with other enriching activities.
Source: HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Vineland