Jessica Prokup, MD

About Me

As a physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) physician, I specialize in caring for adult patients with neurodevelopmental and pediatric-onset disabilities. At The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, I often treat patients with cerebral palsy, spina bifida, Down syndrome, Rett syndrome, genetic disorders, childhood spinal cord injury, childhood brain injury, and others. My clinic focuses on pediatric-to-adult health care transition, aging with pediatric-onset and developmental disabilities, spasticity management, management of braces and orthotics, and evaluation and management of durable medical equipment and assistive devices/wheelchairs.

My interest in this specialty is both personal and professional because I have an older brother with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I know how challenging it can be for these patients to access quality medical care and find physicians who are a good fit for them, and I provide the same optimal care that I would want my brother to receive. I recognize the importance of collaborating with both patients and their families, and my person-centered and family-centered approach customizes treatments to each person’s unique needs.

To help patients feel comfortable, I can make accommodations for
distractions: Patients can bring someone, or a physical item (such as fidget toys, music, or videos) to help distract them or relieve anxiety.

My staff and I are happy to be included in a patient’s Social Story, a series of pictures or a video to explain the events they will experience in office visits or during procedures.

Prior to their first visit, patients can come to Martha Morehouse Outpatient Care on Thursday afternoons, or on Fridays 9 a.m.to 2 p.m., to do a walk-through of the office and meet staff. Please call-in advance to notify the office. I will explain the steps involved in a procedure, so the patient knows what to expect.

I am proud to work at Ohio State, where I attended medical school and completed the Nisonger Center’s LEND Program, and to now educate future physicians. In addition to my clinical work, I am a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

My research focuses on health care disparities of Ohioans with developmental disabilities throughout their lifespan and strategies for increasing disability education in medical training.

I was honored to receive the Excellence in Public Health Award by the U.S. Public Health Service – Department of Health and Human Services for my work to improve care for people with disabilities. I have also received the Emerging Leader Award from the Association for University Centers on Disabilities. I am also an active member of the American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine, serving a term on their Lifespan Committee, and I’m involved with the Spina Bifida Association and the American Academy of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation.

When I’m not working, I love spending time with family and playing with my dog, Volta. I enjoy playing board games (especially detective games), running and cooking.

Procedures and Conditions I Treat

• Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine