Centre for Neuro Skills Physician-Researcher Honored for Lifetime of Contributions to Traumatic Brain Injury Care

Dr. Brent Masel to Receive NABIS Legends Award for Pioneering Work in Brain Injury Rehabilitation

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The North American Brain Injury Society (NABIS) has named Brent E. Masel, M.D., executive vice president for medical affairs at Centre for Neuro Skills (CNS), as the 2026 recipient of its NABIS Legends Award — the organization's highest honor for lifetime achievement in the field of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Dr. Masel, a clinical professor of neurology at the University of Texas Medical Branch, has authored over 60 peer-reviewed publications on TBI research and rehabilitation, and has helped establish CNS as a national leader in post-acute brain injury care.

Why it matters

Dr. Masel's work has directly shaped evidence-informed clinical care protocols and influenced multidisciplinary brain injury care standards nationwide. As a leading voice in brain injury advocacy, he has served on the board of NABIS and previously chaired the board of the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA), helping to establish TBI as a chronic condition requiring sustained, multidisciplinary medical attention.

The details

Through his tenure at CNS, Dr. Masel has led and contributed to studies on neuroendocrine dysfunction, sleep disorders, and other long-term TBI sequelae that are frequently underdiagnosed. His publications have set benchmarks in evidence-based TBI care and helped cement CNS's standing as an innovator in the field. Under his leadership, more than 60% of CNS patients admitted in a wheelchair are walking at discharge.

  • Dr. Masel will receive the NABIS Legends Award on March 13, 2026 during the 18th Annual Conference on Brain Injury.
  • Dr. Masel joined Centre for Neuro Skills as executive vice president for medical affairs in 2017.

The players

Brent E. Masel, M.D.

A clinical professor of neurology at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston, Dr. Masel has authored more than 60 peer-reviewed publications across a range of foundational topics in TBI research and brain injury rehabilitation.

Centre for Neuro Skills (CNS)

A world leader in post-acute brain injury rehabilitation, founded on the philosophy that patients with TBI, stroke and acquired brain injury never stop improving.

North American Brain Injury Society (NABIS)

A society dedicated to advancing research, education and best practices in brain injury prevention, treatment and rehabilitation.

Alan Weintraub

The chairman of NABIS.

David Harrington

The president and chief executive officer of Centre for Neuro Skills.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“NABIS is honored to recognize Dr. Masel, a leader who continues to elevate the field of brain injury research. His contributions reflect the mission of NABIS to promote excellence in research, clinical care and innovation to improve the lives of individuals affected by brain injury.”

— Alan Weintraub, Chairman of NABIS (NABIS)

“This recognition means a great deal to me, but it truly belongs to the patients and families who trusted us with their care, and to the colleagues and researchers who have pushed this field forward together. Traumatic brain injury is a chronic condition — it deserves the same long-term medical commitment we give to any serious health issue. I hope this honor helps shine a light on that mission and encourages more clinicians and researchers to dedicate themselves to brain injury recovery.”

— Brent E. Masel, M.D., Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs, Centre for Neuro Skills (NABIS)

“Brent's career is a model of what it looks like to put patients first, follow the evidence and never stop asking harder questions about brain injury recovery. The NABIS Legends Award is a well-deserved tribute to a physician whose research has made life measurably better for people living with traumatic brain injury and its lifelong consequences. We are extraordinarily proud of everything he has contributed to this field and to our organization.”

— David Harrington, President and Chief Executive Officer, Centre for Neuro Skills (NABIS)

What’s next

The NABIS 18th Annual Conference on Brain Injury, where Dr. Masel will receive the award, will be held March 11–13, 2026 in Arlington, Virginia.

The takeaway

Dr. Masel's pioneering work in traumatic brain injury research and rehabilitation has helped establish TBI as a chronic condition requiring sustained, multidisciplinary care. His leadership and dedication to improving outcomes for TBI patients have made a lasting impact on the field and will continue to inspire clinicians and researchers to follow in his footsteps.