WHEATON, Ill., Nov. 24 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Dr. Nelson Escobar, a physician with the Marianjoy Medical Group, has been named the recipient of the James Brady Award. The award was presented to him by the Brain Injury Association (BIA) of Illinois during their annual conference on October 30, 2009.

According to the BIA of Illinois, Dr. Escobar was given the award in recognition of his expertise in addressing the complex needs of persons with brain injuries, his compassionate treatment and exceptional care of his patients and their families as they rebuild their lives after a brain injury, and for his leadership and commitment to the mission and goals of the Brain Injury Association of Illinois.

Dr. Escobar has been with the Marianjoy Medical Group since 1992 and is the Medical Director of Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital's Brain Injury Program which is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). As medical director, Dr. Escobar leads a team of clinical experts including physical, occupational and speech-language pathologists in treating individuals who have experienced a brain injury or head trauma. He is board certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation as well as neurosurgery. Dr. Escobar honed his skills while serving in both active and reserve duty for the Navy and the Air Force as a flight surgeon and neurosurgeon. He also volunteers his time on medical trips, most recently to Ecuador and Kenya.

"I am very humbled and honored to receive this award," noted Dr. Escobar recently. "However those who should be commended and recognized are the individuals and families who live with the effects of a brain injury everyday. Rehabilitation and recovery is not always easy, yet I have witnessed true heroes who have persevered despite their limitations. I am just proud to be part of the Marianjoy team that helps them get back to living their lives."

Dr. Escobar's involvement with the BIA of Illinois includes serving on its Board, volunteering for the BIA of Illinois kid's camp, and many public awareness projects including being featured in a 2009 educational video on brain injury entitled You Are Not Alone. He has authored many professional journal articles on brain injury and has lectured worldwide.

SOURCE Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital