Deborah Gunter
Asheville,NC
Summary
Experienced physical therapist with strong interpersonal skills, good communicator, and problem solver. Noted for being dependable, punctual, and efficient. Strong geriatric background and familiar with Givens campus and organizational system.
Overview
39
39
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Physical Therapist, Staff
Functional Pathways
Asheville, Givens Estates
08.2015 - Current
- Developed strong relationships with patients, establishing trust and rapport to facilitate successful therapy outcomes.
- Evaluated assistive devices such as braces or prosthetics to provide recommendations for improved function and comfort.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing one-on-one attention and addressing individual concerns.
- Managed high-volume caseload and organized daily schedules of assistants and patients.
- Maintained open lines of communication with referring physicians to ensure coordinated care efforts.
- Taught patients how to use braces, crutches, and prosthetic devices to reduce pain.
- Supported patients' progress and physical health by prescribing and demonstrating at-home exercises.
- Planned individually-designed treatment programs to restore, maintain and improve physical functioning, alleviate pain, and prevent disability.
- Managed acute and chronic conditions with full understanding regarding complex therapy needs.
- Designed customized home exercise programs tailored to individual patient needs for continued progress outside of clinic visits.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans for optimal patient outcomes.
- Conducted clinical assessment and evaluation to determine patient needs.
- Improved patient mobility by developing personalized treatment plans and monitoring progress.
- Observed and recorded patients' responses to therapies and exercises to report to practitioners and recommend adjustments to treatment plans.
- Adapted therapy sessions and exercises according to patient progress and limitations.
- Evaluated physician referrals and determined appropriate evaluation procedures according to patient needs and medical history.
- Educated patients and family members regarding diagnosis, injury prevention, and therapeutic treatments.
- Reduced recovery time for patients with sports injuries through targeted exercises and massage techniques.
- Supervised clinical students, certified and licensed assistants, technicians, and volunteers.
- Utilized advanced manual therapy techniques to alleviate pain symptoms in a variety of patient populations.
- Conducted thorough evaluations to accurately diagnose musculoskeletal issues and determine appropriate interventions.
- Implemented evidence-based practices in treatment approaches, staying current with industry research and best practices.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to continuously enhance skills as a Physical Therapist.
- Served as an advocate for patient needs within the healthcare system, working closely with insurance providers when necessary.
- Educated patients on proper body mechanics and injury prevention to avoid risk of re-injury.
- Applied manual techniques and therapeutic exercises to improve range of motion, strength, balance and coordination.
- Developed patient-specific home exercise programs, guiding patients on correct implementation to safely achieve goals.
- Developed comprehensive treatment plans and goals to address individual patient needs.
- Provided physical therapy services in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
- Used pain management and relaxation techniques to reduce discomfort and stress.
- Created individualized exercise programs to improve patient mobility and function.
Physical Therapist, Staff
Mountain Ridge Health And Rehab
Ridgecrest, NC
07.2013 - 08.2017
- Developed strong relationships with patients, establishing trust and rapport to facilitate successful therapy outcomes.
- Evaluated assistive devices such as braces or prosthetics to provide recommendations for improved function and comfort.
- Managed high-volume caseload and organized daily schedules of assistants and patients.
- Maintained open lines of communication with referring physicians to ensure coordinated care efforts.
- Taught patients how to use braces, crutches, and prosthetic devices to reduce pain.
- Supported patients' progress and physical health by prescribing and demonstrating at-home exercises.
- Planned individually-designed treatment programs to restore, maintain and improve physical functioning, alleviate pain, and prevent disability.
- Conducted thorough evaluations to accurately diagnose musculoskeletal issues and determine appropriate interventions.
- Implemented evidence-based practices in treatment approaches, staying current with industry research and best practices.
Physical Therapist, Staff
The Laurels Of Summit Ridge
Asheville, NC
01.2007 - 07.2012
Conflict Mediation
Plowpoint Ministries
NC
01.2004 - 01.2007
- Resolved conflicts by implementing effective mediation techniques and fostering open communication.
Physical Therapist, Staff
VHP/ Care Partners
Asheville, NC
01.1991 - 01.2004
- Developed strong relationships with patients, establishing trust and rapport to facilitate successful therapy outcomes.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing one-on-one attention and addressing individual concerns.
- Managed high-volume caseload and organized daily schedules of assistants and patients.
- Maintained open lines of communication with referring physicians to ensure coordinated care efforts.
- Taught patients how to use braces, crutches, and prosthetic devices to reduce pain.
- Supported patients' progress and physical health by prescribing and demonstrating at-home exercises.
- Planned individually-designed treatment programs to restore, maintain and improve physical functioning, alleviate pain, and prevent disability.
- Managed acute and chronic conditions with full understanding regarding complex therapy needs.
- Mentored new physical therapists, fostering a supportive learning environment and sharing clinical expertise.
- Designed customized home exercise programs tailored to individual patient needs for continued progress outside of clinic visits.
- Observed and recorded patients' responses to therapies and exercises to report to practitioners and recommend adjustments to treatment plans.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans for optimal patient outcomes.
- Supervised clinical students, certified and licensed assistants, technicians, and volunteers.
Physical Therapist, Staff
MMH
Asheville, NC
06.1985 - 01.1991
Education
Bachelor of Science - Physical Therapy
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, SC06.1985
Skills
- Home Exercise Programs
- Orthopedic Rehabilitation
- Balance training
- Injury Prevention
- Geriatric Therapy
- Functional Mobility
- Treatment Planning
- Patient-Focused Therapy
- Neurological Rehabilitation
- Verbal and written communication
- Patient Assessment
- Pain Management Techniques
- Focused on consistent, quality care
- Joint mobilization
- Adaptive Equipment
Certification
NDT certified
Additional Information
I am ready for a new direction at this point in my work life, but would like to stay on at Givens, because I love the people and the culture here. I am excited about the growth opportunities we are experiencing and would like to be apart of it in some capacity. I feel our leadership is forward focused and looking ahead with appropriate intention. I would like to grow in some new areas and this seems like a wonderful arena in which to do so.
Timeline
Physical Therapist, Staff
Functional Pathways
08.2015 - Current
Physical Therapist, Staff
Mountain Ridge Health And Rehab
07.2013 - 08.2017
Physical Therapist, Staff
The Laurels Of Summit Ridge
01.2007 - 07.2012
Conflict Mediation
Plowpoint Ministries
01.2004 - 01.2007
Physical Therapist, Staff
VHP/ Care Partners
01.1991 - 01.2004
Physical Therapist, Staff
MMH
06.1985 - 01.1991
Bachelor of Science - Physical Therapy
Medical University of South Carolina