Kari Medina
Gilbert,USA
Summary
Versatile and dedicated physical therapist with expertise in multidisciplinary collaboration and patient care excellence. Proven track record of enhancing operational efficiency through innovative therapy models and optimized staff management. Committed to maintaining high standards of patient care and compliance.
Overview
1
1
Certification
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Clinical Supervisor of Rehab Services
Mercy Gilbert Medical Center
04.2017 - Current
- Provide daily oversight of 43-54 rehab team members; managed all schedules and timecard operations for all team members across PT/OT/SLP. Managed outpatient SLP schedule for MBS studies.
- Implemented unit based therapy model improving daily operations of the Rehab department including scheduling, flex-down procedures, weekly flow of elective total joint and bariatric cases and coverage to assure hospital metrics and patient care initiatives are met.
- Supervised clinical staff to ensure adherence to hospital protocols.
- Conducted performance evaluations to maintain high standards of care.
- Delegated staff to cover daily rounds, including safety, observation, and ICU rounds, enhancing rehab’s presence in multidisciplinary patient care.
- Completed hiring and onboarding of new staff to support departmental growth and adapt to census fluctuations.
- Partake in leadership meetings to keep informed of current and upcoming changes occurring at all sister hospitals that directly affect workflow and processes in the MGMC Rehab Department.
- Represented MGMC Rehab services on a panel to improve East Valley Event Reporting measures and employee participation in Keep Me Safe initiatives.
- Raised concerns in daily Safety Huddle that prompted upper management to enhance employee engagement and representation in the Keep Me Safe initiative.
Interim Rehab Supervisor
Mercy Gilbert Medical Center
01.2017 - 04.2017
- Directed and supervised team of 15-20 employees in daily operations.
- Supervised daily operations in fast-paced healthcare environment, optimizing workflows for improved service delivery.
- Coordinated staff schedules to ensure adequate coverage, directly supporting patient care and service continuity.
- Trained new employees on policies, procedures, and safety protocols within the medical center.
- Executed payroll tasks, ensuring timely payment for all team members during leadership transitions.
- Maintained accurate records of employee performance, attendance, leave requests, and disciplinary actions.
- Conducted weekly huddles with team members to discuss upcoming tasks and project deadlines.
Staff physical therapist in inpatient hospital setting
Mercy Gilbert Medical Center
09.2015 - 01.2017
- Evaluated and treated individuals with diverse diagnoses, enhancing patient care and recovery across the hospital.
- Work in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team to formulate appropriate care plans to improve quality of life and safe discharge recommendations with goal of decreasing patient readmission.
- Provide recommendations for adaptive equipment including DME, bracing and custom seating systems.
- Managed daily scheduling and departmental functions, ensuring efficient operations within the Rehab Department.
- Selected by Rehab Manager to represent Rehab Services on Humankindness panel, contributing to service excellence initiatives at the Arizona service area retreat.
Staff physical therapist in inpatient and outpatient rehab settings
Chandler Regional Medical Center
05.2012 - 09.2015
- Evaluate and treat individuals with a variety of neurologic and orthopedic diagnoses.
- Worked in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team in both outpatient and inpatient settings to formulate appropriate care plans to improve patient function and quality of life.
- Provide comprehensive assessments, progress reports and direct individual treatments in the clinic; develop home programs and provide client/family instruction and education.
- Perform evaluation and selection of adaptive equipment including DME, bracing and custom seating systems.
- Supervise physical therapy assistants/led PT team while playing a key role in the entire outpatient department to ensure fluid patient care amongst all disciplines.
- Worked to maintain strong solid relationships and high level care with all referral sources.
- Generated new referrals to develop east valley movement disorders operation, collaborating with St. Joe’s and valley neurologists to expand outpatient rehab services in the area.
- Fundamental in PT/OT/ST staff engagement and clinic education to ensure up to date compliance and change to adapt to Medicare changes and coding/billing requirements.
- Created and implemented a tracking system for multidisciplinary use of patient Medicare cap expenditures, ensuring patient awareness of cap dollar usage and keeping therapists informed for effective care planning.
- Formulated marketing plan and strategies to assist with maintaining patient presence and referral sources department wide.
- Assisted manager in initial phases of Cerner implementation; attended Cerner build-out meetings on behalf of management to ensure outpatient rehab service needs were met.
- Develop, administer, and direct physical therapy services in accordance with current applicable federal, state, and local standards, regulations and guidelines to ensure that the highest degree of quality care was rendered at all times.
Staff physical therapist outpatient rehab setting
Muhammad Ali Parkinson’s Center and Movement Disorders Clinic St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center
11.2009 - 05.2012
- Evaluate and treat individuals with Parkinson’s disease and other complex movement disorders; foster long term relationships/referrals with patients and families.
- Daily collaboration with on-site neurologists assisting with input on how medical intervention directly affects physical mobility and functional performance.
- Collaborated with PT/OT/ST, social work, community outreach, onsite neurologists and clinic nurse to ensure best practice.
- Worked in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team to formulate appropriate care plans to improve quality of life.
- Collaborated with researchers and physicians on studies of gait kinematics and balance measures to identify functional deficits and fall risk in individuals with movement disorders.
- Developed documentation templates for movement disorders and NPH assessments to aid neurologists in accurate diagnosis during pre/post medical diagnostic workup.
- Assisted in growth of new clinic by providing equipment recommendations and input on department structure, creating a functional environment for patient treatment and assessment.
- Evaluated patent-pending equipment for its suitability in treating movement disorder patients.
- Performance of pre/post lumbar puncture assessments to assist physicians with accurate diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus prior to invasive medical intervention.
Staff physical therapist
Baio Enterprises Inc.
09.2009 - 11.2009
- Provide age-appropriate services for pediatric clients with developmental disabilities specifically Autism Spectrum Disorders and Down Syndrome, including comprehensive assessments and direct individual treatments in the clinic and home settings.
- Recommended equipment to establish PT presence in OT/ST dominated clinic, contributing to multidisciplinary approach for patients with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Down Syndrome.
- Created individualized home programs to enhance client care and support family involvement.; client and family instruction and education and evaluation and selection of adaptive equipment and orthotics.
Staff physical therapist
Healthsouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Southern Arizona
08.2007 - 08.2009
- Provide age-appropriate services for pediatric, adult, and geriatric patients primarily with neurological diagnoses, including comprehensive assessments and direct treatment to individuals and groups.
- Led the Neuro team, managing staff schedules and ensuring compliance with Medicare and IRF standards.
- Supervised treatment provided by physical therapist assistants and physical therapy technicians, ensuring adherence to care protocols.
- Developed home programs and instructed patients and families; participated in team and family conferences and evaluated adaptive equipment needs.
- Participated in quality improvement initiatives and documented services in alignment with hospital and departmental standards.
Patient Care Technician
Rehabilitation Hospital of Southern New Mexico
12.2005 - 12.2006
- Assisted therapists in delivering patient care within an inpatient rehabilitation setting, enhancing overall treatment effectiveness.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of equipment rooms and patient care areas, promoting a safe and efficient environment for patient support.
- Assisted patients with daily living activities and personal hygiene.
- Monitored vital signs and reported changes to nursing staff.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of patient care areas.
Therapy Technician
Mountain View Regional Medical Center (Bear Creek Rehabilitation)
12.2002 - 08.2004
- Assisted therapists in delivering patient care and rehabilitation services.
- Monitored patients during therapy to ensure safety and comfort throughout sessions.
- Prepared treatment areas with necessary equipment and supplies for therapy sessions.
- Supported supervising physical therapist in acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, and outpatient settings by organizing equipment rooms and ensuring cleanliness of gym equipment and assistive devices.
Education
Doctorate - Physical Therapy
A.T. Still University
Mesa, Arizona01-2010
Master - Physical Therapy
University of Texas at El Paso
El Paso, Texas01-2007
Bachelor of Science - Kinesiology
New Mexico State University
Las Cruces, New Mexico01-2002
Skills
- Patient evaluation
- Treatment planning
- Multidisciplinary collaboration
- Patient management
- Clinical leadership
- Regulatory adherence
- Performance evaluation
- Scheduling optimization
- Clinical mentoring
- Effective communication
- Problem solving
- Team building
- Patient-centered therapy
Certification
- LSVT BIG Certified, 05/09
- PWR (Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery) Certified Clinician, 05/11
Timeline
Clinical Supervisor of Rehab Services
Mercy Gilbert Medical Center
04.2017 - Current
Interim Rehab Supervisor
Mercy Gilbert Medical Center
01.2017 - 04.2017
Staff physical therapist in inpatient hospital setting
Mercy Gilbert Medical Center
09.2015 - 01.2017
Staff physical therapist in inpatient and outpatient rehab settings
Chandler Regional Medical Center
05.2012 - 09.2015
Staff physical therapist outpatient rehab setting
Muhammad Ali Parkinson’s Center and Movement Disorders Clinic St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center
11.2009 - 05.2012
Staff physical therapist
Baio Enterprises Inc.
09.2009 - 11.2009
Staff physical therapist
Healthsouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Southern Arizona
08.2007 - 08.2009
Patient Care Technician
Rehabilitation Hospital of Southern New Mexico
12.2005 - 12.2006
Therapy Technician
Mountain View Regional Medical Center (Bear Creek Rehabilitation)
12.2002 - 08.2004
Doctorate - Physical Therapy
A.T. Still University
Master - Physical Therapy
University of Texas at El Paso
Bachelor of Science - Kinesiology
New Mexico State University