Stephen Burns, MD

Dr. Burns is the director of the Spinal Cord Injury Service at VA Puget Sound Health Care System and an associate professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at the University of Washington.

He is board certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation and SCI Medicine. He is the former chair of the Neurologic Standards Committee of the American Spinal Injury Association. He is a senior reviewer for the American Board of PM&R SCI Medicine subspecialty certification examination. He serves as medical co-director for the Northwest Regional SCI System of Care, and he directs the VA Advanced Fellowship in SCI Medicine. His research interests include the medical consequences SCI, and neurological assessment and classification techniques.

Patient Care Philosophy

"I feel it is essential for patients with SCI to receive health care, including primary care, from providers who are knowledgeable about the medical consequences and special consideration associated with the condition."

Clinical Interests

Rehabilitation of new spinal cord injury; treatment of pressure ulcers; mobility devices.

Research Interests

Neurological examination and classification of spinal cord injuries; respiratory disease associated with SCI; medical consequences of SCI.

Personal Interests

Bicycling, snowboarding and hiking