The North American Brain Injury Society has named Dr. Brent Masel the 2026 recipient of its NABIS Legends Award. Masel, a clinical professor of neurology at The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), is being recognized with the organization’s highest honor for his lifetime of achievement in the field of traumatic brain injury.
Masel is widely recognized for advancing research and clinical care for people living with traumatic brain injury. In addition to his role at UTMB, he serves as executive vice president for medical affairs at Centre for Neuro Skills, a national leader in post-acute brain injury rehabilitation.
“Traumatic brain injury changes lives in ways that are often invisible to others,” Masel said. “For decades, researchers and clinicians have worked to better understand the long-term consequences of brain injury and how to improve care for those living with it. I’m honored by this recognition and proud to be part of a community dedicated to advancing science, improving rehabilitation, and helping patients regain the highest quality of life possible.”
A graduate of Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Masel also completed his internship and neurology residency there before beginning his neurological practice in Galveston. After 17 years in private practice, he transitioned to full-time work in post-acute brain injury rehabilitation, serving as president and medical director of a dedicated traumatic brain injury rehabilitation facility from 1994 to 2017. He joined the Centre for Neuro Skills in 2017.
Masel has authored more than 60 peer-reviewed publications on topics central to brain injury research and rehabilitation. His work has explored areas including virtual reality-based cognitive rehabilitation, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, sleep disorders following brain injury, metabolic and hormonal dysfunction, and the long-term health consequences of traumatic brain injury.
His research has helped shape evidence-informed clinical care protocols and influenced multidisciplinary approaches to brain injury treatment nationwide.
Masel is also a leading advocate for people living with brain injury. He serves on the NABIS board and previously chaired the Brain Injury Association of America board, where he continues to serve as national medical director.
Throughout his career, Masel has been at the forefront of the clinician-researchers who helped establish traumatic brain injury as a chronic medical condition requiring ongoing, multidisciplinary care — an approach now widely recognized across neurology and rehabilitation medicine.
Masel has two sons who are physicians at UTMB and a daughter-in-law who holds a doctorate in the Department of Population Health and Health Disparities at UTMB.
“NABIS is honored to recognize Dr. Masel, a leader who continues to elevate the field of brain injury research,” NABIS Chairman Alan Weintraub said. “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.”
Masel received the award March 13 during the 18th annual Conference on Brain Injury in Arlington, Virginia.
