Tejal Patel
Brick,NJ
Summary
Dedicated and highly skilled Doctor of Physical Therapy with over 15 years of experience providing patient-centered rehabilitation services in an acute inpatient rehabilitation setting. Proven expertise in evaluating, treating, and educating patients with complex neurological, cardiac, orthopedic, and various medical conditions. Recognized for strong leadership abilities, program development experience, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a commitment to achieving exceptional patient outcomes.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Physical Therapist
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital
09.2010 - Current
- Perform comprehensive physical therapy evaluations and develop individualized treatment plans for patients in an inpatient rehabilitation setting.
- Assess patient needs, establish rehabilitation goals, and implement evidence-based interventions to maximize functional outcomes.
- Treat patients with a wide range of diagnoses, including Parkinson’s disease, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, cancer, stroke, and other complex medical conditions.
- Educate patients and family members regarding diagnoses, rehabilitation goals, therapeutic exercises, safety precautions, and injury prevention strategies.
- Collaborate with physicians, nurses, case managers, and rehabilitation professionals to ensure coordinated, high-quality patient care.
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation using electronic medical record systems.
- Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings and contribute to clinical decision-making and discharge planning.
- Served as Co-Champion for the Cardiac Recovery Program, assisting with program development, implementation, Joint Commission surveys, and certification renewals.
- Serve as Team Leader (2013–Present), coordinating patient assignments, facilitating team conferences, reporting patient progress, and supporting discharge planning initiatives.
- Serve as Center Coordinator of Clinical Education (CCCE) (September 2022–Present), overseeing student clinical placements, mentoring future physical therapists, and coordinating educational experiences.
Education
Doctor of Physical Therapy - DPT
Seton Hall University – School of Health and Medical Sciences
South Orange, New Jersey05-2010
Bachelor of Science - Exercise Science
Rutgers University – School of Arts and Sciences
New Brunswick, New Jersey05-2006
Skills
- Physical Therapy Evaluation & Treatment
- Cardiac Recovery Program Development
- Patient & Family Education
- Team Leadership & Mentorship
- Clinical Education Coordination
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Electronic Medical Records (EMR)
- Discharge Planning & Care Coordination
- Quality Improvement Initiatives
- Organizational & Time Management Skills
- CPR/AED Certified
- Bilingual: English & Gujarati
Certification
- CPR/AED Certified
- APTA Credentialed Clinical Instructor
Timeline
Physical Therapist
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital
09.2010 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Exercise Science
Rutgers University – School of Arts and Sciences
Doctor of Physical Therapy - DPT
Seton Hall University – School of Health and Medical Sciences