04/20/2026
As many of you already know, the CMR Family had quite a scare this past weekend.
Friday evening Dr. Eric was attempting to clear away a dead tree before the storm hit. A branch broke, and he fell over 12 feet, landing on his back. After being stabilized at Morris Hospital, he was transferred to Loyola Hospital for more intensive Neurological care.
We are extremely fortunate that there was no head or brain injury, and no loss of strength or sensation to any extremities.
Dr. Eric did, however, sustain fractures to several vertebrae and a scapula (shoulder blade). One of his vertebrae was severely damaged, and he required surgery Saturday evening. Again, prayers and good favor were on our side as an anticipated multilevel spinal fusion was not needed, and a less invasive procedure stabilized the worst of his injuries.
Dr. Eric is awake, alert, and eager to start his healing journey. He was fitted with a neck and back brace today, which allows him to be able to sit up. He calls it his “tactical vest”, and will be wearing it for the next 12 weeks. He will most likely be discharged from the hospital later this
week, but then the real work begins. He will be in good hands with his team at CMR behind him!
That being said, although Dr. Eric will be back behind the scenes here at CMR in a few weeks, he will not be treating patients for several months. Dr Brittany will see as many of Dr. Eric’s patients as she can who are in need of treatment. Please be patient with us as we navigate this sudden schedule change.
Dr. Eric and his family wish to convey sincere gratitude for the outpouring of thoughts, prayers, and love from all their friends, family, and community. I, on behalf of the CMR Health Group Team, echo their gratitude. We truly have the best patients, the best team, and the best community.
Thank you all for your continued support,
Jori Carnithan
