The Bors Award: Legacy of Ernest H. J. ‘‘Pappy’’ Bors, MD

After World War II, military hospitals in the US were inundated with veterans paralyzed by spinal cord injury. Care was hindered by a health care delivery structure based on specialty and a lack of cohesive approach to their complex medical and social problems. In 1944, Ernest H.J. Bors, MD, joined the staff of Hammond General Army Hospital. Caring for these most needy veterans inspired him to develop a comprehensive way to oversee all of their needs. Since 1994, the Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine has offered an annual award in Pappy’s honor—The Ernest Bors Award for Scientific Development, because throughout a career spent fighting for basic resources while caring for thousands of patients many considered ‘hopeless cases’, Dr Bors made research and publication a priority.

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  Dr. Bors developed a holistic multidisciplinary approach that formed the foundation for modern SCI centers.
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  Dr. Bors developed protocols for treatment and rehabilitation and shared his innovative techniques in more than 140 scientific papers.
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  The Bors Award memorializes this pioneer who ‘‘carried the torch of care and research and opened the way for better care’’ of all individuals with SCI by recognizing the achievement of young investigators and supporting their ongoing efforts.