APRIL 2021
IN THIS ISSUE
ALMOST A YEAR TO THE DAY... In early March of 2020 Sandra, Blake and I started on the “trip of a lifetime!” We were aware of the news regarding COVID-19, however most of the reports were coming from somewhere else.
Sandra and I were extremely fortunate to have spent our honeymoon in Hawaii in 2000. The place was the closest rendition of paradise either of us had ever imagined. Welcomed by the people, enchanted by the natural beauty, and awed by spectacular weather, we made the commitment to return on our 10th anniversary. We had no idea that in June of 2010, the year of our 10th anniversary, we would welcome our son Blake into our lives. Life, as we imagined it in 2000, had taken a few unexpected turns, and creating a family was a little more complicated than we had anticipated. Once we knew Sandra was pregnant we changed our goal of returning on our 10th anniversary to our 20th anniversary! We figured any ten year old would, of course, love Hawaii. As the travel date approached we debated if we should go. The virus and news about it was spreading fast…..except in Hawaii, which had yet to report a single case. And so, in March 2020, we finally embarked on our long-awaited journey back to Hawaii. The initial part of the trip was fantastic. We swam with sea turtles while snorkeling at a local beach. The whale watch off Maui found us surrounded by migrating Humpbacks! The people and the weather were both as nice and charming as we remembered. The news, however, was not good at all, and getting worse by the day. In the span of two weeks Covid had exploded in the US, particularly in New York. I was suddenly in constant contact with PTSMC leadership as the storm of 2020 began to take shape and forever alter all of our lives. The six-hour time difference added another layer of complexity to communication and decision making. Fearing for my family and my “PTSMC family,” I made the decision to return home early.
As luck would have it, our return flight would put us in Salt Lake City at 6:30 AM on March 18th. While awaiting a connecting flight, a 5.7 magnitude earthquake hit Utah at 7:09 AM – the epicenter was less than 10 miles from the airport. Our first experience with an earthquake started with what sounded like a large explosion followed by a prolonged rumbling growl. As I watched people stumble to the ground, ceiling tiles began to rain down and the main power went out. My first thought was a terrorist attack or a plane crash. Within minutes people in the terminal started sharing reports of the earthquake, and over the next 40 minutes two significant aftershocks rocked the area again. Security made the decision to close all airport buildings and escorted everyone out to the parking lot. Approximately eight hours later we were back in the terminal and finally boarding our flight home.
Wellness Program #GetMoving March On Challenge NEW SECTION - Employee Spotlight Get to know Stephanie Santos, Watertown Physical Therapist
StriveHub Fab 5
“Emily (Hansen)'s caring attention to my specific needs far surpass other Physical Therapists with whom I've worked in the past. She is incredibly knowledgeable and when I'm having difficulty, she immediately accommodates for my needs, making As a family, we spent time around the new year reflecting on the things adjustments to the treatment plan, as we were thankful for in 2020. One constant on all our lists was Hawaii. needed. In only two weeks, I have surged forward improving!” - Simsbury The pictures and stories of the trip immediately bring back vivid memories full of adventure and joy. Interestingly, the intensity of the fear and uncertainty that became a large part of our lives in 2020 has started to fade. It is becoming harder to relive those parts of last year, and for that I am grateful.
Personally, I am trying to hold the positive aspects of the year close at hand while allowing as much of the pain and challenges we faced to become a distant memory. Thanks for all you do.
Patient Trends New Patients per Month Thank you for all the awesome feedback in the PULSE survey! Our survey set out to find out if PTSMC employees are reading the PULSE and if they are, what parts do they like best.
Do you like to write? Want to be a part of the PULSE? The PULSE committee invites employee contributions. Articles could be about experiences as a PTSMC employee, tips on extraordinary service delivery, time management, organization, problems solved and funny anecdotes, or even personal interests. Reach out to Emily Fillion at Emily.Fillion@ptsmc.com to contribute!
HR Buzz April 2021 HR Questions Memorial Day Holiday May 31st Submit Your BRAGS
As I reflect on the trip, clearly it was a “once in a lifetime” experience in many of the ways we had hoped and dreamed about for 20 years. It was also extraordinarily different than anything imaginable in January of 2020.
Alan
The 89 responses affirmed that the PULSE is being read and adds value as a PTSMC communication tool while providing a balance of company info and fun. Great ideas and suggestions came out of the survey, and we are already implementing some of them in this issue: • Employee spotlight • Clinician's Corner variety
Clinician’s Corner by Erin Carlson Neurotology and Physical Therapy: Doc Talk with Dr. Marc Eisen, Hartford Healthcare Neurologist
Visits per Month
Blue = Actual | Orange = Budgeted
“The customer service is beyond fantastic. From the heartfelt greeting I receive from Jacky (Severance) when I enter to the goodbyes I receive from the Physical Therapists and PT Aides and even some patients when I leave. The physical therapists are knowledgeable and explain what’s going on physiologically/biologically as well as seek consistent feedback in order to tailor your sessions to your specific need. The atmosphere is friendly and humorous. The staff are considerate and kind and the appointments are on time. PTSMC is excellent. I owe my rehabilitation to them.” - Middletown “Colleen (Menard) is the best! After a few visits, my issue was totally fixed. She also makes her patients feel comfortable, and the whole staff provides a warm, welcoming environment in general.” - New Milford “Kind and friendly staff listens to clients issues and works with them to fit their needs. Everything is cleaned before the next person and there is hand sanitizer available. Masks are worn at all times.” - Westbrook “Danielle (Butsch) was super helpful, always willing to answer questions and smiling all the time even they seem to be very busy; every one is helpful and nice!” - Lock Street