SPRING MILLS, W.Va. — The new WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute occupies an entire floor at the Spring Mills Medical Office Building and harnesses the research and resources of more than 200 WVU faculty members and physicians.
Dr. Ali Rezai is the Executive Chair of the Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute spoke at Monday’s ribbon cutting for the facility. He said since the Institute’s inception statewide, it has seen more than a quarter of a million patient visits each year.
He said the new space in Berkeley County makes room for a comprehensive facility.
“It’s very important that we provide multi-disciplinary comprehensive care for patients and their families here in Martinsburg so we can provide the most advanced care for complex conditions,” Rezai said.
He said the new facility can become a leader in innovation.
“The Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute is developing new innovations and first in the world studies that are tackling the big problem of addictions as well as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s,” Rezai said.
President and CEO of WVU Medicine Berkeley Medical Center and Jefferson Medical Center Dean Thomas said the nearly $4 million project would bring neurological care close to home, whether they are suffering trauma, diseases of the brain, stroke, or addiction.
“I think what it means is that we can bring all of our neuroscience providers together in one place so they can provide comprehensive care to our patients. It allows the space to grow and expand our clinical capabilities,” Thomas said.
Thomas said the nearly $4 million project would bring neurological care close to home, whether patients are suffering trauma, diseases of the brain, stroke, or addiction.
WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute opened a clinic in 2021 in Martinsburg, marking the expansion of Neurosurgery and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) in the eastern region.
The new 14,000 square foot RNI clinic on the third floor features 32 exam rooms, five neuro-diagnostic rooms, two neurology infusion suites and host Neurology and Neuropsychology services.
Research continues in the effort to combat addiction. The Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute is “really changing the world for people who have addiction,” according to WVU Health Sciences Executive Dean Dr. Clay Marsh during his remarks Monday.
In 2019, RNI became the first in the country to use deep brain stimulation to fight opioid addiction. In November of last year, a Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute study into a “smart pill” that may identify the cause of a possible drug overdose is ready for the next phase of human trials.
“Researchers at RNI have completed a 10-person trial study of the potentially groundbreaking treatment, with a goal to expand on human studies in 2024,” according to a RNI press release. “The pill, which can track a patient’s heart rate, blood pressure, and lung activity, has received positive reviews based on early results.”
The clinic at the WVU Medicine Spring Mills Medical Office Building off Rt. 11 features art installations that “invite viewers to delve deeper into their own emotions and interpretations, making the space a truly meaningful and thought-provoking environment,” according to information made available during Monday’s ribbon cutting and tours.