The Catalyst Issue 20 | December 2014 | Page 19

W The physical medicine and rehabilitation team at the Scott & White Center for Rehabilitative Medicine at Hillcrest are united in their effort to help patients. Back row, from left: Abby Witcher (with crutches), Allison Koenig, Dr. Richard E. Scott, Lance Cook, Geoffrey Christian, and Matthew Payne. Second row, from left: Karen Van Winkle (seated), Cindy Berkley and Robyn Brown (both holding yellow balls), Autumne Hollingsworth, Shauna Bauer, Cindy Anderson, Kristi Trammell, Melissa Krieg, and Allison Beard. Third row, from left: Ashley Brodie (seated), Cathy Kinlaw, Cristy Avila, Ranjan Gonzalez, Erin Miller, and Abigail Mawhirter. Front Row: Brittany Marshall, Jessica Buice, and Crystal Rempfer. illnesses, such as respiratory issues or diabetes occurring in concert with arthritis. Rehabilitation efforts focus on the impairment, and the mechanics of muscular activity to improve structure, function, and mobility of the injured or diseased body part. Exercise and education are important components of the PMR specialist’s approach. “We get involved early on in a patient’s case, and our focus is on aggressive therapies with a strong, team-based approach,” says Richard E. Scott, DO, medical director, Scott & White Center for Rehabilitative Medicine. While PMR services are available throughout the healthcare system’s service area, the inpatient rehabilitation facility at Hillcrest is the only one between Dallas and Austin. “Our facility allows patients and families to find the confidence they need with the right care nearby,” he says. This is important because patients are often entering a phase of life that will likely be different from the one sw.org | December 14 THE CATALYST 19