Rehabilitation Services

Departmental Information

Rehabilitation Services is a multidisciplinary team of allied health professionals consisting of Physical and Occupational Therapists and their support staff. There are currently 27 full time employees and 4 part time employees within the department. The department prides itself on providing coordinated and integrated rehabilitation care to individuals with disabilities or impairments in order to maximize function and overall quality of life. In addition, the department creates a climate that emphasizes the importance of clinical research to advance the knowledge base of rehabilitation professionals while increasing patient outcomes. Rehabilitation Services aims to facilitate the education of therapy students by directly participating in classroom lectures at the School of Health Professions and by providing clinical training to students from across the country.

News and Announcements

Each year, one gifted physical therapist is presented with the Foster Boston Memorial Award. This year’s proud recipient is Rhonda Kurtz PT, MPT. Foster Dean Boston was a physical therapy assistant for the Department of Rehabilitation Services. She began her employment in 1987 and worked primarily in the outpatient area but did not hesitate to help others across the department. Foster was active community member and a devoted member of the Texas Physical Therapy Association. She was an excellent role model who listened and communicated well with others. Unfortunately, she lost her courageous battle with cancer in 1991. Most of her coworkers were unaware of her illness until the end stages. This award was established to honor her memory and contributions to the department and her excellent patient care. This award is presented to someone the staff feel exemplify the following attributes: performs above and beyond job duties, flexibility, a good role model, well respected by staff and other hospital personnel, well liked by patients, open to new ideas, outgoing, and able to handle conflict resolution. Rhonda Kurtz graduated from University of Houston Clear Lake with a BA in Biology. Soon after, she graduated from UTMB with a Masters of Physical Therapy. She has been a loyal employee of the Department of Rehabilitation since her graduation in 2001 and an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association since her acceptance to UTMB. Currently, her professional interests include the care of burn patients and wound care. In addition, she is diligently working toward her certification in wound care. Because of Rhonda’s expertise in a variety of areas, she has been asked on multiple occasions to guest lecture at the School of Health Professions. She enjoys all aspects of teaching and relishes each opportunity to interact with students. Throughout the department and among various hospital staff, Rhonda is well known for pulling pranks and making people laugh! She is an excellent asset to our department and we are proud to present her with the 2009 Foster Boston Memorial Award.

January Spotlight

The Department of Rehabilitation Services is proud to present Lillie Simpson as our January Spotlight. Lillie Mae Simpson is currently employed as an OSA for our Texas City Outpatient Therapy Clinic located in Ocean View Transitional Care Center. After completing high school and 2 years of college, she gained a total of 26 years of experience at UTMB including 8 years as a clerk in Hospital Collection, 2 years at PBS as a Financial Counselor, 1 yr in the Phone Bank, and 13 years in Geriatrics and the Sealy Center on Aging. Lillie loves her job and explains that her first priority is the client. As a team player, Lillie ensures that each patient is completely satisfied with their care and rehab experience. During her spare time, Lillie enjoys singing in her church choir, reading, working puzzles, and walking. She is also busy as a single mother of six children and five grandchildren. In addition, Lillie loves to visit with her family during Sunday dinners, and talking with friends and coworkers. We are extremely honored to have Lillie as a member of our team!

Departmental Information

News and Announcements

January Spotlight

Karen Chapman PT, DPT

Director, Rehabilitation Services