S. Shelby Burks, M.D., FAANS
Assistant Professor, Department of Neurological Surgery
The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis
Christine E. Lynn Rehabilitation Center
1120 NW 14th Street
Miami, FL 33136
Biography
Research Interests
Areas Of Research
Publications
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Dr. S. Shelby Burks is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurological Surgery at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Dr. Burks graduated from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine with honors distinction in 2014. He completed his residency at the University of Miami and Jackson Memorial Hospital in Neurological Surgery, which included fellowships in both complex spine surgery and peripheral nerve surgery.
Dr. Burks functions as a physician-scientist, having contributed to the field of neurotrauma since his undergraduate studies. Early in his career, he began researching traumatic brain injury, leading to several highly cited publications on biomarkers for the early detection of injury. After coming to the University of Miami, Dr. Burks has been investigating spinal cord injury and peripheral nerve injury under the guidance of Dr. Allan Levi. He has contributed to multiple clinical reports specifically on sciatic nerve injury. Working in collaboration with The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, he has been heavily involved in clinical trials studying the transplantation of Schwann cells into human peripheral nerve injury, which is the first reported instance. Recently, Dr. Burks was awarded Department of Defense funding to investigate the effect of nerve transfers with rehabilitation on reaching, grasping function, and quality of life in people with tetraplegia.
In parallel to clinical research, Dr. Burks leads a laboratory effort investigating peripheral nerve injury. He’s particularly interested in examining the ability of Schwann cells and Schwann cell-derived exosomes to improve the regeneration process after injuries of various severities and how these treatments may influence functional recovery and neuropathic pain. Dr. Burks has received funding from the American Association of Neurological Surgery and the National Institute of Health to study variable repair strategies in sciatic nerve injury.
Spinal Cord Injury, Peripheral Nerve Regeneration, Schwann Cells, and Exosomes
Our lab emphasizes both clinical and preclinical research. We are conducting a clinical trial exploring a combination of surgery, regeneration, and rehabilitation to recover function after paralysis. Specifically, we are actively investigating nerve transfer in those with spinal cord injury to restore reaching and grasping function. Additionally, we are exploring challenges in traumatic peripheral nerve injury clinically. Peripheral nerve injury, especially injury-in-continuity, possess challenges for the nerve surgeon. By combining a host of technologies and translational research, we aim to improve outcomes for patients suffering from severe peripheral nerve injury.
Preclinically, our lab is actively investigating peripheral nerve injury, with an emphasis on developing better treatment approaches. We have worked to develop a variety of animal models for peripheral nerve injury. We have demonstrated that the addition of Schwann cells into nerve repair sites significantly enhances functional recovery and have begun investigations examining the ability of Schwann cell-derived exosomes to improve outcomes after injury. Future work seeks to understand and improve neuropathic pain after peripheral nerve injury.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS/MEMBERSHIPS
- American Board of Neurological Surgeons
- Congress of Neurological Surgeons
- American Association of Neurological Surgeons
- American Society of Peripheral Nerve
- Global Nerve Foundation