Lisa TenBarge, P.T., D.P.T., just celebrated her 20 year anniversary at Flagstaff Medical Center, working as a physical therapist (PT). In addition to celebrating her FMC anniversary, Lisa recently was recognized as the Arizona Physical Therapist of the Year by the Arizona Physical Therapy Association. She was chosen for her accomplishments as a PT from more than 1,350 statewide association members. She was honored for her innovative work in establishing a new physical therapy program in the Emergency Services Department (ED), and for her involvement at the local, state and national levels in teaching, mentoring, treating patients and volunteer work.

Lisa joined FMC after earning her PT degree from NAU in 1989. Specializing in orthopedics and manual therapy, she has worked with both outpatients and inpatients to get them “up and moving” and “back on their feet.” Lisa has worked in all units of the hospital, in Homecare and now in the ED.

Implementing PTs as part of the ED team was a program Lisa spearheaded in 2004. When the program started, there were only two PTs trained to work in the ED. Today, there are eight PTs who cover the ED seven days a week.

Both ED physicians and nurses can request a physical therapist see a patient once the patient’s immediate medical conditions have been addressed. Lisa and all the PTs at FMC are dedicated to injury prevention and education. Since most ED patients are there “by accident,” they are able to educate them on how avoid the injury and to modify activities to accommodate for an injury.

They primarily see patients who have neck and/or back pain due to auto injuries, falls, accidents or pre-existing injuries. They provide care to patients who have broken bones, joint and muscle injuries and chronic wounds.

Not only are PTs helping to assess and care for patients with these injuries, they also are providing extensive education on activity levels, at-home exercises, equipment needs and injury prevention. Patients appreciate the extra attention while in the ED and the education and resources that better prepare them to go home.

Congratulations, Lisa! We are glad to have you as part of the FMC team!