Occupational Therapist Adriana Perez Named Fieldwork Educator of the Year
Monday, February 6 2012
Adriana Perez, inpatient occupational therapist at Lakeland Regional, has been named Fieldwork Educator of the Year by the Florida Occupational Therapist Education Consortium
(FLOTEC). Perez was nominated by occupational therapy assistant students from Polk State College, who she mentors at Lakeland Regional. Perez’s students say they admire her passion, knowledge and the incredible care she provides patients.
Perez was also nominated by Robin Richmond, OTR/L, AFC, academic fieldwork coordinator at Polk State, who says Perez is a compassionate mentor, with a gift in sharing her extensive knowledge with others.
“Adriana has been instrumental in exposing students to the acute care setting. She has a way of making students feel at ease as they work with patients,” said Richmond.
Perez says the PSC students have impacted her own life in numerous ways, fulfilling a need to give back to a profession which has brought her such joy.
“I am able to teach them to be hopeful every time they treat a patient. They see lives change right before their eyes, as patients gain strength, return to their families or move forward to the next level of care,” said Perez.
Perez is also highly revered by her supervisors and colleagues at Lakeland Regional who say no one is more deserving of this award.
“It is validation for someone who brings her “A game” every day. Her enthusiasm for her profession is contagious, and you can feel it no matter what your role is on the care team,” said Sharlet Cochran, MSN, manager trauma ICU/Rehabilitation Services.
“This is a true testament to her work ethic and adherence to our core values. If I could clone her, I would,” said Steve Youngblood, PT, team leader, Rehabilitation Services.
This is the third year Lakeland Regional has partnered with Polk State College to offer hands-on learning experiences for those seeking a career in occupational therapy. Perez is proud of the opportunities she is able to offer these students through the program and looks forward to helping additional students in the months and years ahead.