2005 Recipient--Dr. Elsbeth Köng, MD

Dr. Elsbeth Köng is internationally recognized as the foremost authority on early detection and early intervention for infants and children with early motor delays. Her work has resulted in the extensive training of medical professionals around the world, as well as the development of therapy centers to meet the needs of these children.

Because of Dr. Köng’s revolutionary vision of beginning therapy at the critical age of three months, which allows for the most optimal development in a child’s movement abilities, Pathways Awareness Foundation began educating medical professionals and parents about the power of observation.

A graduate of Zurich University in Pediatric Medicine, Dr. Köng completed her residency at the University Children’s Hospital in Zurich under Professor G. Fanconi.

In 1952, she developed an out-patient clinic for children with cerebral palsy and their parents. Because of the high demand for her expertise, she became a traveling doctor, training physicians and building centers in various parts of the country.

In 1963, Dr. Köng became medical director for the Center for Cerebral Motor Disturbances in Berne, Switzerland, during which time she served as head of postgraduate training in cerebral palsy.

Dr. Köng, along with Mary B. Quinton, another well-respected pioneer in the field, helped spread the teachings of neurodevelopmental therapy (NDT), an advanced therapeutic approach, to therapists around the world. Today, over 5,000 therapists practice the NDT method.

Throughout her career, Dr. Köng has lectured to medical professionals, including pediatricians, neurologists, orthopaedic surgeons, rehabilitation officers, and therapists in the United States, Canada, Spain, Mexico, Brazil, Poland, South Africa, Japan, and South Korea, on early detection and early treatment of cerebral palsy.

Pathways has the pleasure of honoring Dr. Köng with the Pathways Awareness Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award for her extraordinary commitment to assuring the best for every baby's physical development.