Heather Hignite
Birmingham,USA
Summary
Occupational Therapist with over 13 years of experience providing evidence-based rehabilitation to medically complex adult patients in acute care and inpatient rehabilitation settings. Experienced in treating patients with neurological, orthopedic, pulmonary, and cardiovascular conditions, including recovery following CABG, TAVR, pacemaker implantation, heart failure, and other cardiac diagnoses. Recognized for strong clinical reasoning, patient education, interdisciplinary collaboration, and relationship building with physicians and healthcare teams. Seeking to leverage extensive clinical expertise and communication skills in a Clinical Sales Specialist role supporting innovative structural heart therapies.
Overview
1
1
Certification
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Occupational Therapist
St. Vincent's Health System
01.2021 - Current
- - Evaluate and treat medically complex adult patients in the acute care setting.
- - Develop individualized treatment plans to maximize safety, independence, and functional outcomes.
- - Collaborate with physicians, nurses, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, respiratory therapists, and case management to coordinate patient care.
- - Educate patients and families regarding recovery, safety, adaptive strategies, and discharge recommendations.
- - Provide rehabilitation for a wide variety of diagnoses, including neurological, orthopedic, pulmonary, and cardiovascular conditions.
- - Extensive experience working with patients recovering from CABG, TAVR, pacemaker implantation, heart failure, arrhythmias, and other complex cardiac conditions.
Occupational Therapist
Encompass Health
01.2020 - Current
- - Provide occupational therapy services to adults recovering from medically complex illnesses, surgery, and injury.
- - Perform comprehensive evaluations and implement evidence-based treatment plans.
- - Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to optimize functional outcomes and facilitate safe discharge home.
- - Treat patients with neurological, orthopedic, pulmonary, and cardiac diagnoses while emphasizing functional independence and patient-centered care.
Education
Occupational Therapy - undefined
University of Tennessee Health Science Center
01-2011
Skills
- - Complex Medical Rehabilitation
- - Cardiac Rehabilitation & Recovery
- - Neurologic Rehabilitation
- - Orthopedic Rehabilitation
- - Patient & Family Education
- - Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- - Physician Communication
- - Clinical Problem Solving
- - Evidence-Based Practice
- - Discharge Planning
- - Relationship Building
- - Adaptability & Professional Communication
- - Clinical education and patient advocacy
- - Building strong relationships with healthcare professionals
- - Presentation and communication skills
- - Clinical assessment and critical thinking
- - Ability to quickly learn new technologies and procedures
- - Commitment to improving patient outcomes
Certification
- - Registered and Licensed Occupational Therapist (OTR/L)
- - Certified Integrative Dry Needling (CIDN)
- - Advanced Education in Ultrasound-Guided Dry Needling Imaging
- - CPR Certified
Timeline
Occupational Therapist
St. Vincent's Health System
01.2021 - Current
Occupational Therapist
Encompass Health
01.2020 - Current
Occupational Therapy - undefined
University of Tennessee Health Science Center