[Profile Feature] Dr. Matthew Bartels: A Global Pioneer in Rehabilitation Medicine
Dr. Matthew N. Bartels earned his MD and Master of Public Health (MPH) degrees from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and completed his comprehensive internship and residency training at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center. Before joining Montefiore, Dr. Bartels was known for his patient-centric approach and technological innovations as the Director of the Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Program at Columbia University Medical Center. The Human Performance Laboratory he established has further enhanced the effectiveness and efficiency of rehabilitation, helping patients regain their lives.
Since 2013, he has served as the Chair of the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, leading a team in innovative treatment and research. Dr. Bartels’s research not only benefits countless patients but has also received widespread recognition globally.
Specialized Techniques
Dr. Bartels’s research primarily focuses on three core areas: post-transplant rehabilitation, neuropsychological rehabilitation for patients with mental illnesses, and pulmonary function recovery for patients with respiratory diseases. At the forefront of medicine, Dr. Bartels's innovations continuously change the landscape of rehabilitation treatment, opening a new era in medical device design and global telehealth. Other areas of expertise include cardiopulmonary rehabilitation after organ transplantation, heart failure, advanced lung diseases, autonomic neurophysiology, enhancement of athletic performance, biomechanical interventions for musculoskeletal pain, the relationship between exercise and cognition, the use of new technologies to improve rehabilitation care, international medicine, and the development of new models of post-acute care.
Research Contributions
His research has been published in scientific journals and has garnered widespread attention at international conferences, advancing the fields of cardiopulmonary rehabilitation and exercise physiology. One study explored the impact of a non-invasive, home-based biomechanical intervention method on knee surgery rates among patients with osteoarthritis, showing that the approach effectively reduced the need for surgery. Additionally, he participated in research on using 3D printing technology to repair prosthetics in resource-limited areas, providing more mobility and independence for amputees in these regions.
In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Bartels has published several papers on post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), particularly focusing on the assessment and treatment of autonomic and cardiovascular dysfunction. He participated in multidisciplinary expert consensus efforts to help formulate rehabilitation treatment guidelines for the complex health issues faced by long COVID patients. Moreover, his research has explored the role of rehabilitation in the mortality rates of hospitalized COVID-19 patients, emphasizing the importance of rehabilitative strategies in the recovery process.
Certifications and Honors
In 2024, Dr. Bartels was awarded the "Humanitarian Care Citizen Award" by the International Community of Care Committee (ICCC) for his global leadership and innovative spirit, symbolizing the high recognition of his contributions by the international community. He has promoted the application of 3D printing technology in rehabilitation medicine and fostered the development of telemedicine, providing better rehabilitation guidance for patients worldwide.
Summary
At the forefront of rehabilitation medicine, Dr. Matthew Bartels is not only an outstanding physician but also a passionate innovator. Through his groundbreaking research and practice, he has advanced the field of rehabilitation globally, helping countless patients regain their lives. As he advocates, rehabilitation is not just about physical recovery; it is also about the reconstruction of the spirit. Each patient's story continues through his efforts, and each technological advancement paves the way for a better future for many.
In facing complex health challenges, each of us can become part of the change. Whether through supporting rehabilitation research or participating in community health activities, let us work together to promote a broader concept of rehabilitation. As Dr. Bartels demonstrates, the combination of care and innovation can have a profound impact on patients and society. Let us join hands to strive for the rebirth of every life and create a healthier, better future.
Focused on international medical collaboration, including but not limited to medical education, talent development, and management.
