The world took a while to catch up with Dr Michael Kaplan’s evidence of adult nerve cell development.
His trailblazing research in the 1970s challenged prevailing belief by suggesting that adults can grow new nerve cells. His theory is now one of the fundamental principles underlying rehabilitation programmes for those who have experienced a stroke or similar neurological trauma. After 10 years of trying (and failing) to sway establishment views, Dr Kaplan abandoned the research world to practice medicine. This led to a distinguished career as a teacher, academic and clinician in the physical medicine and rehabilitation fields. In the Waikato, he championed the establishment of the collaborative Institute of Healthy Ageing venture and he is a passionate innovator in the area of stroke rehabilitation.
Michael S Kaplan MD PhD
Waikato DHB
Medical Science Award
The world took a while to catch up with Dr Michael Kaplan’s evidence of adult nerve cell development.
His trailblazing research in the 1970s challenged prevailing belief by suggesting that adults can grow new nerve cells. His theory is now one of the fundamental principles underlying rehabilitation programmes for those who have experienced a stroke or similar neurological trauma. After 10 years of trying (and failing) to sway establishment views, Dr Kaplan abandoned the research world to practice medicine. This led to a distinguished career as a teacher, academic and clinician in the physical medicine and rehabilitation fields. In the Waikato, he championed the establishment of the collaborative Institute of Healthy Ageing venture and he is a passionate innovator in the area of stroke rehabilitation.