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Board-certified Rehabilitation Physician
Dr. Wakasa, our medical director and a board- certified physiatrist is responsible for the rehabilitation management of each patient in the Acute Rehabilitation Unit at St. Mary’s Medical Center. Physiatrists treat patients with musculoskeletal and neurological problems and lead the interdisciplinary team in planning the course of rehabilitation to help achieve the patients’ highest level of functioning. The physiatrist maintains close contact with referring physicians as necessary in regards to the medical management of the patient.
Board-certified Internal Medicine Physicians
At St. Mary’s Medical Center a team of internal medicine physicians are dedicated to your medical recovery and management. We encourage your personal physicians to follow you while in our rehab unit. The internal medicine physicians work in the frame work of our interdisciplinary approach of care. We communicate with your personal physician to ensure your ongoing recovery after discharge.
Rehabilitation Nurses
Our rehabilitation nurses work with you on prevention of complications of immobilization, physical care (including: hygiene, skin and wound care, bowel and bladder management), positioning and understanding safety limitations and precautions. Rehabilitation nurses also educate you and your caregivers on ways to manage the illness and enhance your recovery. They also help in making sure that the gains made in therapy are utilized functionally.
Physical Therapists
Our physical therapists will assist you in returning to a maximum potential function in the areas of: muscle strength, mobility, flexibility, balance, ambulation and use of assistive devices. The physical therapist works with you to achieve independence. Family training and home exercise programs are an integral part of this therapeutic approach.
Occupational Therapists
Our occupational therapists promote the maximum level of independence in the activities of daily living. The occupational therapist works with the patient in areas of self-care skills, dressing, personal hygiene and homemaking skills (including meal preparation and clean-up). Other services include: sensory/motor components and cognitive integration. Our occupational therapists will establish a program to increase your level of function and promote independence with the ultimate goal of getting you home.
Speech Therapists
Our speech therapists provide comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic services for patients with impaired communication skills. These include: swallowing disorders, aphasia, articulation disorders, cognitive deficits secondary to head injury, dysarthria, dyspraxia, voice disorders and receptive and/or expressive language delays.
Neuropsychologist
St. Mary’s has a full-time neuropsychologist on staff for patients who need help working through challenges resulting from their injury or illness. The neuropsychologist is a critical team member of our brain injury, stroke and spinal cord injury rehabilitation teams. We are the only unit in the Bay Area that has a neuropsychology teaching program.
Case Manager/Social Worker
Our case managers are available to help you and your families cope with the problems that often accompany an extended illness or disability. Social workers help patients find satisfactory solutions or adjustments to any physical, social, emotional or economic problems they may encounter. A case manager also assists in discharge planning, helping you with follow-up medical and rehabilitation recommendations. Goal setting and discharge planning are a cooperative effort among the patients, their families and social service.
Dieticians
At our rehab unit, a clinical dietician develops a special meal plan in accordance with the physicians’ instructions.
Chaplins
We also have chaplins from various faiths to help guide your spiritual recovery.
Patient/ Families
The patient and the patient's family play a vital role as members of the rehabilitation team. Both parties will participate actively in the development of the treatment plans and goals. The treatment plan is revised as necessary to meet the patient’s individual needs.
Peer Volunteers/ Support Group
We also have a support group and volunteers who will assist in guiding you to a healthy recovery.
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