Dr. Anne McCarthy Jacobson’s decades-long commitment to excellence in stroke rehabilitation, education, and mentorship has earned her numerous accolades. She can now add the inaugural Faculty Excellence Award from the MGH Institute’s Tedy’s Team Center of Excellence in Stroke Recovery to the list.

McCarthy Jacobson is known for her dedication to advancing care for stroke survivors and to training the next generation of rehabilitation professionals. She holds board certification in neurologic physical therapy and brings over 30 years of clinical and academic experience to her work. A faculty member in the Department of Physical Therapy, she has taught at the Institute since 2003 and remains active in clinical practice at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital. Her areas of expertise include neurologic rehabilitation, stroke recovery, and the use of standardized outcome measures in clinical care.

“Anne’s impact on stroke recovery reaches far beyond individual stroke survivors,” said Dr. Kimberly Erler, director of the Tedy’s Team Center of Excellence and associate professor of occupational therapy. “She is a mentor, advocate, and trailblazer — always centering the needs of patients and modeling what it means to lead with both compassion and clinical rigor.”

Dr. Gwen Larsen, the Center’s education and community outreach coordinator, echoed that sentiment.  

“What sets her apart is not just her extensive knowledge and genuine passion for teaching but the compassion she brings into every interaction,” said Larsen, “Her ability to connect with patients and learners on a personal level creates a space where people feel seen and supported and empowered to reach their full potential.”

The award also honors Dr. McCarthy Jacobson’s pivotal role in the creation of the Center itself. This partnership between the MGH Institute and the Tedy’s Team Foundation was catalyzed by a connection nearly 20 years ago, when McCarthy Jacobson worked with former New England Patriot Tedy Bruschi during his rehabilitation at Spaulding following his stroke.

“Anne introduced us to this wonderful place,” Bruschi said at the Center’s launch event in 2023. “She said, ‘Tedy, this is something you need to be associated with.’ Anne, thank you so much for making that connection. And because of that, here we are.”

The Tedy’s Team Center of Excellence Faculty Excellence Award will be presented annually to a faculty member who exemplifies the Center’s mission of improving outcomes for individuals affected by stroke through innovation, collaboration, and education. As the inaugural honoree, Dr. McCarthy Jacobson’s impact sets a high bar — and an inspiring path forward.