Insights and Lessons Learned as a Patient that Helped Formulate and Guide My Work as a Provider: Topics to Consider During the Rehabilitation Process

Sustaining a brain injury during late adolescence, Dr. Natalia Bernal Fernández share her personal experience and how it has informed and shaped her clinical work.

During the presentation, Dr. Bernal Fernández will provide insights and lessons learned through the unique, first-hand experience of being a patient and now a rehabilitation neuropsychologist in training. Discussion will include Issues involving barriers and access to care, resilience, caregiver stress, and perceived burden. Dr. Bernal Fernández will also present strategies that can aid the recovery process.

About the Presenter:

Dr. Natalia Bernal Fernández, Rehabilitation Neuropsychology Postdoctoral Fellow, Mount Sinai Hospital,  completed her doctoral degree in clinical psychology (PsyD) at Albizu University, in Puerto Rico, and her Bachelor of Arts degree at Boston College, double majoring in Applied Psychology and Human Development and Elementary Education. She completed her clinical internship at NYU Langone Health, Rusk Rehabilitation, where she gained extensive training in neuropsychology, cognitive remediation, and psychotherapy with patients following neurological injury and neuromedical conditions. Dr. Bernal Fernández is currently completing a two-year postdoctoral fellowship at Mount Sinai’s Neuropsychology and Rehabilitation Department and Brain Injury Research Center (BIRC).

During this session, the thoughts and opinions expressed are those of the presenter and do not reflect the opinions and beliefs of the Brain Injury Association of New York State.

This presentation is provided at no cost in recognition of Brain Injury Awareness Month.

The Brain Injury Association of New York State thanks our Professional Development Series Presenting Sponsor, Siegel & Coonerty, Attorneys at Law, for their support in underwriting this program.