HealthSouth Valley of the Sun Innovative Amputee Expert Honored with Companywide Award
5/07/2015
Glendale, Ariz. – Lonnie Coughran, physical therapist assistant, started his career 22 years ago. During this time Lonnie worked diligently to develop his skills in amputation rehabilitation and is now one of the leading amputee clinicians in the state. Lonnie’s expertise in amputee treatment has allowed him to contribute to extraordinary patient experiences- including a veteran and double amputee, who recovered and eventually ran in 22 half-marathons, three full marathons and successfully climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Lonnie exemplifies HealthSouth’s mission beyond his assigned duties at the hospital by coordinating the annual Adapted Golf Clinic to help patients learn to play golf despite their physical limitations. His dedication to his patients and their families in his role at HealthSouth Valley of the Sun Rehabilitation Hospital puts him in the spotlight as a finalist in HealthSouth’s companywide Outstanding Employee Achievement Awards.
Lonnie, one of only six finalists out of 24,000 HealthSouth employees, received this annual recognition and was honored at an award banquet held yesterday in Birmingham, Alabama. Award winners are selected based on their performance in four areas: contributions to extraordinary patient experience, team spirit and cooperation, commitment to continuous quality improvement and going above and beyond the call of duty. The process began with each of the 107 hospitals honoring a hospital employee of the year. Then, six finalists were named at the regional level; and one overall recipient was named for the company.
Lonnie demonstrates Comfort, Professionalism and Respect daily in his role as a physical therapist assistant at HealthSouth Valley of the Sun,” said Chief Executive Officer of HealthSouth Valley of the Sun Beth Bacher. “His positive interaction with family, patients and staff is dependable and consistent. Lonnie has helped hundreds of patients regain independence and is truly deserving of this honor.”
In his role at the hospital, he serves as physical therapist assistant, but likes to wear many different hats. He acts as a support group leader, mentor, educator and visionary for the advancement of amputee treatment. Lonnie contributes to the growth of the amputee program by sharing his wealth of creative ideas and suggestions. He also leads the monthly amputee support group at HealthSouth Valley of Sun where he has increased attendance by providing unique opportunities and outings.
To learn more about Lonnie, click here to watch a short video.
About HealthSouth Valley of the Sun Rehabilitation Hospital
HealthSouth Valley of the Sun Rehabilitation Hospital is a 75-bed hospital that offers comprehensive inpatient, outpatient and home health rehabilitation services. These programs are designed to return patients to leading active and independent lives. Serving patients throughout the Phoenix Metropolitan area and is located at 13460 N. 67th Ave. in Glendale and on the Web at healthsouthvalleyofthesun.com.
About HealthSouth
HealthSouth is one of the nation’s largest providers of post-acute healthcare services, offering both facility-based and home-based post-acute services in 33 states and Puerto Rico through its network of inpatient rehabilitation hospitals, home health agencies, and hospice agencies. HealthSouth can be found on the web at www.healthsouth.com.
Source: HealthSouth Corporation