Featured Staff

Joanna H.

Physical Therapist
Doctor of Physical Therapy
 

Joanna has been a physical therapist with Aegis Therapies since 2006 and has a Clinical Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Her duties include patient evaluations and reassessments, communicating with insurance companies and her facilities’ medical teams, and supervising two physical therapy assistants, as well as rehabilitation aides and physical therapy students.

In addition to this, Joanna takes much pride in educating staff and patients on modality use. She is the Geriatric Enhaced Modalities (GEM) Champion for her district, and she provides regular community education at various senior centers, assisted living centers and senior living complexes throughout her company’s district.

“I love teaching not only patients and caregivers but also helping other therapists expand their knowledge and experience,” says Joanna. “Because I travel to multiple buildings, I too get to learn new bits of wisdom in return, which I use to enhance my therapy quality.”

Joanna believes that to be successful in her field, one needs to enjoy the work, seek to learn and understand more at every turn, and be as selfless as possible both working with residents and staff.

“Be good to your team,” says Joanna. “Listen. Help each other -- nurses included. And smile -- it's hard to be stressed or cranky when you smile. “Remember it isn't about you, it's about the patient.”

One of her most memorable patient experiences occurred when she was working with a man with multiple orthopedic and neurological injuries. The patient worked hard to regain his strength and soon found himself standing and walking on his own.

“One day, the patient’s wife came in while we were standing, just the two of us,” says Joanna, “and I got the honor of helping him hug his wife for the first time since his accident. It reminded me of how lucky I am to not only have the ability to move and care for myself, but also what a privilege it is to help others do the same.”