This depth and experience in our professional staff reassures families who have loved ones suffering from a traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury or medically complex condition and guarantees that they will receive the highest-quality patient-centered, physician-driven and family-focused care.
Our Complex Care and Rehabilitation Professionals
There’s one word that best describes the medical professionals at HealthBridge — dedicated
Medical expertise
Our in-house medical staff, managed by our medical directors, includes specialists in pulmonary medicine, rehabilitation and internal medicine, neurology and neuropsychology. The primary responsibility of each HealthBridge medical director is to ensure the best care possible by providing guidance, support and communications to each member of the care team. Additionally, the medical director advises the facility on all matters relating to care quality and performance improvement.
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Chief Medical Officer
David Ripley, MD, MS, CRC, FAAPM&R — Chief Medical Officer
David Ripley, MD, MS, CRC, FAAPM&R, is Chief Medical Officer of HealthBridge and has been actively involved in the care of persons with brain and spinal cord injuries for over 20 years. Prior to joining HealthBridge, he served as Section Chief of Brain Injury Medicine and Rehabilitation and Medical Director of Worker’s Compensation Physician Practice at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab (formerly Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago). He also held an academic appointment at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, and was Program Director of the James and Carmela O’Boyle Fellowship in Brain Injury Medicine where he was instrumental in overhauling the brain injury treatment program.
Meet the Team
Dr. Michael Chu, MD
Pediatric Psychiatry
Dr. Michael Chu is a highly regarded pediatric psychiatrist known for his exceptional contributions to the field of mental health and psychiatry. He cares for babies, kids and teens with a wide variety of mental health conditions.
Dr. Kenneth E. Grant, MD
Pediatric Gastroenterology
Dr. Kenneth E. Grant is a distinguished pediatric gastroenterologist whose career has been marked by a profound commitment to improving the digestive health and overall well-being of children. He embarked on his journey in the field of pediatric gastroenterology with a strong foundation in medicine, which eventually led him to specialize in this vital area of healthcare.
Dr. Jane J. Hwang, M.D.
Dr. Hwang joined HealthBridge in June 2022 and is a seasoned healthcare professional associated with Community Physicians. Board certified in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, she received her medical degree from the St. Louis University School of Medicine. As a PM&R physician, Dr. Hwang specializes in helping patients with disabilities focusing on rehabilitation, restoration of function and a return to a high quality of life. She will provide expert diagnosis, evaluation and management of St. Louis patients in need of extensive post-acute rehabilitation.
Dr. Melanie C. Irwin, MD
Pediatric Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R)
Dr. Melanie C. Irwin is a distinguished specialist in Pediatric Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (Pediatric PM&R), known for her unwavering dedication to improving the lives of children with physical disabilities and musculoskeletal conditions.
Dr. Sunil Kamath, MD
Pediatric Pulmonology
Dr. Sunil Kamath is a distinguished pediatric pulmonologist who has made remarkable contributions to the field of pediatric respiratory medicine. With a passion for improving the lives of children with respiratory conditions, Dr. Kamath has become a renowned figure in the medical community.
Dr. Patricia Liao, MD
Pediatric Critical Care
Dr. Patricia Liao is a dedicated and compassionate pediatrician specializing in pediatric critical care, with proven expertise in providing exemplary medical care to critically ill children. With a profound commitment to improving the lives of young patients and their families, she has special interest in genetic predispositions to critical illnesses and is involved in several clinical trials.
Dr. Hoang (Wayne) D. Nguyen, MD
Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
Dr. Hoang (Wayne) D. Nguyen is a highly esteemed child and adolescent psychiatrist known for his unwavering dedication to the mental health and well-being of young individuals. Dr. Nguyen’s journey in the field of child and adolescent psychiatry began with a strong foundation in medicine, followed by specialized training in this vital area of healthcare.
Dr. Hang-Uyen Nguyen-Tang, MD
Pediatric Critical Care
With an extensive background in pediatrics, Dr. Nguyen-Tang has become a trusted figure in the medical community, known for her compassionate care and commitment to providing the highest standard of healthcare for her young patients.
Dr. Ying Peng, MD
Pediatric Neurology
Dr. Ying Peng is a highly esteemed child neurologist whose career has been defined by her unwavering commitment to improving the lives of children with neurological disorders. Her journey in the field of child neurology began with a solid foundation in medical education, culminating in her specialization in pediatric neurology.
Dr. Kauser Sharieff, OD
Pediatric Optometry
Dr. Kauser Sharieff, OD, is a highly accomplished and dedicated optometrist who has made significant contributions to the field of eye care. With a passion for improving the vision and overall eye health of her patients, Dr. Sharieff has established herself as a respected figure in the optometry community.
Medical Professionals
