Sunrise's Presperin Pedersen on importance of service models, early education and clinical evidence 

FRESNO, Calif. – Jessica Presperin Pedersen says her new position as director of clinical education for North America at Sunrise Medical allows her to “pull together everything I’ve done” in more than 40 years of practice in the complex rehabilitation industry. 

Presperin Pedersen’s long resume includes working in all sectors of the seating and mobility industry; serving as a research assistant, assistant professor and master clinician at the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab/Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago; and publishing more than 50 peer-reviewed journal articles. 

Here’s what Presperin Pedersen had to say about why education is at the cornerstone of the complex rehab industry. 

HME News: First of all, I’m calling you in Chicago, which is not Fresno, Calif., Sunrise Medical’s home base. 

Jessica Presperin Pedersen: I’m presently at the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab completing some research on a few grants, including a grant with the Kessler Institute and Craig Hospital on the benefits of having appropriate back support. We don’t want to lose out on that opportunity, and we want to maintain that relationship. There will be a transition. 

HME: What was the draw of leading the clinical education strategy at Sunrise Medical? 

Presperin Pedersen: It gives me the opportunity to work with an international manufacturer, which I haven’t taken advantage of, and to work as part of an international education team. 

HME: Why is the international angle so important? 

Presperin Pedersen: It’s a phenomenal opportunity for me to learn different models of service, and how a product makes it from the manufacturer to the consumer and how the consumer uses it. For example, some countries reuse equipment and so it’s really important that products have durability and remain that way for a long time. The global educators can share best practices for assuring user participation.  

HME: What’s a priority for you, as you look to lead Sunrise Medical’s clinical strategy? 

Presperin Pedersen: I see two things as being really important. We have to make sure education about seating and mobility happens in the early stages of a clinician’s career. They can understand how clinical supports and services can positively impact the suppliers, users, and their families.  

HME: The second? 

Presperin Pedersen: Because I have a research background, I want to be able to pull clinical evidence into our ability to show why a product is important. That will parlay into people making choices about reimbursement and policies, and also provides transparency about products for the user and families.