The Vanderbilt Rehabilitation Team

During your stay at the center many people will participate in your care. Each patient's rehabilitation is unique.

Based on your individual needs, the following health care team members may be consulted to work with you:

• Case Manager - Case managers coordinate the information and resources you need to prepare for your safe discharge from the center. Your case manager will collaborate with your treatment team and talk with you about your choices to ensure your successful return to home and the community. They work closely with a transition coordinator to set up the recommended resources.
• Dietitian - A dietitian helps plan the most healthful diet for each patient.
• Neuropsychologist - A neuropsychologist is a psychologist who specializes in understanding how the brain functions and how that functioning relates to behavior.  At Vanderbilt Rehabilitation Center, they may be consulted to evaluate patients and contribute to the treatment plan.
• Social Worker - A social worker will work with patients to cope with and solve social and personal problems in their life, promote good mental health, and connect patients with resources to assist.
• Rehabilitation Nurse - Our nursing staff is specially trained to care for patients with a wide variety of rehabilitative needs. They also ensure that the patient’s pain is well controlled before any therapy is started.
• Occupational Therapist - Occupational therapists help patients become as independent as possible in performing daily tasks such as eating, drinking, dressing, bathing, cooking, reading, writing, and toileting.
• Physiatrist - Physiatrists are rehabilitation physicians who are experts in treating injuries to nerves, muscles, and bones. They are trained in the medical specialty of physical medicine and rehabilitation.
• Physical Therapist - Physical therapists help patients improve their strength, balance and coordination, and their ability to move.
• Physician Specialist - The patient’s physician specialist and/or surgeon can continue to participate in the patient’s care throughout the rehabilitative process.
• Speech Language Pathologist - Speech language pathologists help patients improve their ability to swallow; relearn language and communication skills; and learn ways to improve memory and other cognitive skills such as problem solving.

The Vanderbilt Rehabilitation difference