Center for the Intrepid 

The CFI was born in the spring of 2005 when Arnold Fisher and the Board of Directors of the Intrepid Fallen Heroes proffered a rehabilitation facility. Secretary of the Army Francis Harvey accepted the proffer and funds for the facility were received from over 600,000 Americans. Ground was broken for the four story, 65,000 square foot outpatient rehabilitation facility and two new, 21 handicap- accessible suite Fisher Houses on 22 September 2005. The ribbon cutting for the CFI and the new Fisher Houses was held on 29 January 2007 and patient care began in the facility on 15 February 2007.

While continuing the clinical mission of providing advanced, multidisciplinary rehabilitation for Service Members who have sustained catastrophic limb injuries, the CFI now also focuses on functional recovery for Warfighters with comorbid MSKIs, mTBI, and mood disorders. Additionally, the CFI works with multiple stakeholders to execute research which seeks to optimize individual performance and improve readiness.

The CFI is under the command and control of the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at BAMC with close consultation with the Department of Orthopaedics and their surgeons. The close relationship between the Department of Orthopaedics and the Department of Rehabilitation is unique in the DoD. This collaboration ensures seamless operations thereby facilitating optimal patient outcomes, scientific research, and medical education.

Interdisciplinary Approach to Rehabilitation

Patients are challenged and reconditioned by a team approach integrating the following:

• Physical medicine

• Case management

• Behavioral medicine

• Occupational therapy

• Physical therapy

• Wound care

• Prosthetic fitting and fabrication

• Demanding sports equipment

• Virtual reality systems

Innovative Technologies

Patients have access to several highly advanced technologies that allow them to rehabilitate  in an efficient, effective and entertaining environment:

• The Computer Assisted Rehabilitation Environment (CAREN) - provides virtual reality training

• The Motion Analysis Lab - allows specialists to detect gait deviations not discernable to the naked eye

• The Firearms Training Simulator - reacquaints patients with their weapons systems

• The Flowrider - integrates balance, core strength training, and excitement into the rehabilitation process.