Brain Injury Alliance New Jersey Honors Hackensack Meridian JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute Physician

Richard J. Malone, DO, who has dedicated his career to helping patients with traumatic brain injuries, has been honored by Brain Injury Alliance New Jersey (BIANJ) at the organization’s Annual Gala March 23.

Dr. Malone plays a critical role at JFK Johnson’s Center for Brain Injuries and the in-patient Brain Trauma Unit, known as BTU. He oversees and coordinates the medical care, nursing rehabilitation, and highly specialized therapy for his patients with brain injury. Many of his patients were involved in serious accidents or survived a stroke, aneurysm, or brain tumor surgery. 

Dr. Malone is board-certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and holds a sub-specialty certification in Brain Injury Medicine. He has seen brain injury medicine advance through the years. 

“Even people with a severe traumatic injury can make a good recovery today,” Dr. Malone said. “Families need to understand when they see a loved one right after a traumatic brain injury that many go on to have good recoveries. Everyone with brain injury deserves an opportunity for treatment in acute in-patient rehabilitation.” 

Dr. Malone believes that family communication and education are critical to every brain injury patient’s journey toward recovery. 

“We have seen advancements in what can be achieved, but we are still early in our quest for the continued evolution of care for brain injury patients,” he said. 

Dr. Malone has contributed to the advancement of the field through his research with the Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems (TBIMS) program, sponsored by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research. The federal agency awards grants to institutions that are national leaders in medical research and patient care. 

Dr. Malone joined the Hackensack Meridian JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute in 1991, eager to work with Caroline O. McCagg, MD, a pioneer in brain injury medicine. 

“As a third-year medical student, I worked with Dr. McCagg and found myself fascinated with the challenging work of brain injury medicine,” Dr. Malone said. “Dr. McCagg became a mentor, and I was determined to make brain injury rehabilitation the focus on my life’s work.” 

Sara J. Cuccurullo, MD, Vice President and Medical Director of JFK Johnson, called the award to Dr. Malone much deserved.

“We thank the Brain Injury Association of New Jersey for their recognition of Dr. Malone, and we join them in honoring his work helping advance what’s possible for patients with brain injuries,” Dr. Cuccurullo said. 

Photo caption: Dr. Richard J. Malone, DO was honored at Brain Injury Alliance New Jersey’s Annual Gala. Picture L-R, Dr. Brian Greenwald, MD, medical director, JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute’s Center for Brain Injuries; Richard J. Malone, DO, attending physician, Center for Brain Injuries, JFK Johnson; Sara Cuccurullo, MD, vice president and medical director, JFK Johnson; Anthony Cuzzola, vice president, Rehabilitation Care Transformation Services, Hackensack Meridian Health; and Steve Benvenisti, president, board of trustees, Brain Injury Alliance New Jersey.