Our Team
Interdisciplinary Team
The UF Health Rehab Hospital team of healthcare professionals provides intensive inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services for people who have experienced trauma, illness, disease, injury, and/or surgical complications resulting in physical, cognitive impairments.
Physiatrist
A physiatrist is a doctor who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation. This highly trained specialist sees patients daily and coordinates care throughout the rehabilitation process.
Physical Therapist
Physical therapists instruct patients on strengthening their muscles, preventing joint tightness, increasing endurance, improving balance and coordination and achieving maximum mobility. Physical therapy (PT) focuses on assisting with and preventing activity limitations related to movement, function and health. Physical therapists teach patients skills necessary for functioning after discharge such as how to use assistive devices like walkers and crutches. More about Physical Therapy.
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapy (OT) focuses on everyday activities or "occupations" in which people engage throughout their daily lives to gain independence, fulfill their time and give life meaning. Occupational therapy practitioners prioritize enabling activities; facilitating the physical, cognitive, environmental, psychological and social performance skills needed for independence. Occupational therapy practitioners partner with individuals and caregivers through activities of daily living (ADLs) such as self-care and environmental accessibility (eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, functional mobility), use of adaptive equipment, driving, home management and resuming life roles (work, family, community). More about Occupational Therapy.
Speech Therapist
Speech therapists help patients improve their memory, verbal and nonverbal communication. Patients are taught alternative methods of communication, if speaking is not a realistic goal. Speech therapists work with patients to improve their swallowing ability, if the injury or illness has caused a swallowing problem. More about Speech Therapy.
Rehabilitation Nurse
A nurse trained in rehabilitation techniques is assigned to patients upon admission. A rehab nurse teaches patients and their families the skills necessary to manage patients’ medications, diet, skin care, and bowel and bladder functions.
Case Manager
A case manager helps patients and families in planning for the return home.
Psychologist
A psychologist counsels patients and their families to adjust emotionally to their injury or illness.
Recreational Therapist
A recreational therapist explores leisure and community activities suited to patients’ interests and abilities. More about Recreational Therapy.