Our Staff Members of the JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute Team

Our Staff

Members of the JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute Team

Whether you come to the JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute as an inpatient or outpatient, you and your family will work closely with many members of our caring and dedicated health care team. Following is information to help identify each team member's role in your day-to-day activities:

The physiatrist is a physician who has special training and education in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. He or she is the rehabilitation team coordinator, who, with you, your family and other team members, designs a rehabilitation plan specific to your needs. Responsible for your medical care while you are a patient, the physiatrist maintains close communication with your referring physician. Other consultants are available if necessary.

The rehabilitation nurse offers our patients special nursing care 24 hours a day, seven days a week. He or she teaches adaptive methods of self-care and helps the physician manage your medical needs. The nurse will teach you (and your family members, if necessary) how to care for yourself independently.

The physical therapist works with you to help you achieve your maximum strength, coordination, balance and mobility. He or she will assist you in performing exercises and such functional activities as moving in and out of bed and walking. The physical therapist also assesses your need for walking equipment and/or brace or prosthetic device.

The occupational therapist teaches you to function in all areas of your daily life. This includes such self-care skills as grooming, bathing, dressing and homemaking activities. The therapist will work with you and your family to make sure your home is safe and accessible. The occupational therapist will also assess your need for bathroom equipment and/or a wheelchair.

The speech-language pathologist helps you if you have difficulty with communication, cognitive function or swallowing. Therapy focuses on your understanding, thought processes, speech and communication skills. The pathologist also works on making swallowing safer by recommending food consistencies and eating techniques.

The social worker is your advocate and liaison with the rehabilitation team. He or she helps your family resolve issues resulting from your illness or injury. With specialized knowledge of community resources, a social worker helps coordinate your various discharge options, explains medical benefits and helps ensure that you make a smooth transition to the next level of care.

The rehabilitation psychologist is available to support you and your family during treatment at JRI. Throughout this period, you may have to deal with difficult adjustment issues that may cause stress, anxiety or depression. Treatment focuses on coping and adjustment issues that may affect your emotional status. A consultation with our psychologist is available.

The recreation therapist offers a variety of recreation and leisure activities designed to meet each individual's needs. Programs are planned for you, and, in some cases, your family members. Trips into the community also may be arranged to help make the transition from the hospital to home easier.

Other professionals:
Other health care professionals may help with your treatment. For example, an audiologist may help evaluate your hearing abilities and decide if a hearing aid or other adaptive equipment is necessary. Dietitians will assess your nutritional needs. Vocational counselors are available to help patients return to work.