A highly skilled team of professionals is dedicated to each patient's rehabilitation needs. This group comprises physiatrists, psychologists, neuropsychologists, rehabilitation nurses, pharmacists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, respiratory therapists, speech-language pathologists, therapeutic recreation specialists, social workers, case managers and dietitians. This interdisciplinary team works together to develop the most appropriate treatment plan for each patient. But, the most important team members are the patient, family, friends, caregivers and significant others.

• Physiatrists are doctors specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation. They use a broad spectrum of diagnostic tools, medications and therapies, as well as artificial limbs or braces to restore a patient's functional status.
• Physical therapists may treat patients for impairments in strength, range of motion, balance, coordination, sensation, pain, ability to move in and out of the bed and ability to walk. They will determine appropriate treatment at the time of the assessment which may include exercise, posture and positioning, mobility training, gait training, use of assistive devices, pain management modalities, hydrotherapy and wound care.
• Occupational therapists may treat for upper extremity, fine motor and coordination deficits and the ability to perform self-care activities, such as grooming, bathing, dressing and going to the bathroom. They may also assess swallowing problems and problems associated with brain injury and cognitive function, such as problem solving, planning of tasks and other functions as they relate to the activities of daily living (ADL). The occupational therapist's treatment plan may include ADL retraining, splint fabrication, cognitive retraining and swallowing therapy.
• Psychologists and neuropsychologists may test for cognitive problems associated with brain injury, stroke or other neurologic disorders. Treatment plans are designed to address the individual needs of each patient.
• Rehabilitation nurses monitor medical conditions, reinforce skills taught during therapy sessions and provide instruction/education to patients, family members and caregivers. The nurses are a source of encouragement for patients, always pushing them toward achieving functional independence.
• Respiratory therapists evaluate, treat and care for patients with breathing disorders. These breathing disorders include problems associated with the respiratory tract (nose, nasal passages, nasopharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi and lungs).
• Speech-language pathologists work with people who have problems with talking or swallowing. Speech problems may include language, voice, memory or thinking difficulties. Speech therapists may use special tests to be sure that the problem has been correctly identified. These tests include video imaging methods that can show how throat muscles move when the person swallows or how well the vocal cords are able to move during voicing.
• Social workers and case managers help the patient, family and caregivers develop, implement and coordinate a realistic care plan after the patient is discharged. The social worker/case manager also coordinates referrals to outside agencies, Outpatient Rehabilitation Services and community service programs, including vocational counseling.
• Therapeutic recreation specialists assist the patient with recreational, social and leisure interests and works with the patient to continue those interests while adjusting to the impairment. The therapeutic recreation specialist also provides opportunities for participation in leisure activities during the day and evening and on weekends.
• Biofeedback specialists
• Pharmacists
• Dietitians
• Admissions coordinators
• Consultants

• Movement skills
• Activities of daily living (ADL)
• Communication and speech abilities
• Psychological and emotional aspects of illness and disability
• Recreational, social and leisure interests
• Referrals to community resources, home health services, outpatient therapy or vocational counseling as needed

Richard V. Riggs, MD Medical Director; Chairman, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

• Susan Rivera, MSN, CRRN, RN
  Nursing Manager, Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit
• Pam Roberts, PhD, OTR/L, CPHQ, FAOTA Manager - Rehabilitation, Psychology and Neurology
• Sherry Washington
  Manager, Outpatient Rehabilitation Services