Mary Burggraf, Occupational Therapist, has been named Healthcare Worker of the Year at Hocking Valley Community Hospital.
“During National Rural Health Week, we celebrate the heart and soul of our hospital—our healthcare workers. It is my honor to award Mary Burggraf as our Healthcare Worker of the Year. In our rural community, where every effort impacts lives so deeply, this year’s nominees have gone above and beyond, demonstrating compassion, dedication, and a tireless commitment to excellence. Thank you for embodying the values that make our hospital a beacon of care and hope for those we serve,” HVCH President and CEO Stacey Gabriel said.
HVCH employees cast ballots to select Healthcare Worker of the Year and Burggraf won by popular vote. There was a total of four nominees including Burggraf; Amber Lehman, Human Resources Generalist; Amber Parrish, 340B Coordinator; and Carly Foltz, Registered Nurse.
Burggraf joined the staff of HVCH 16 years ago in the role of the inpatient occupational therapist. In her role, she trained occupational therapy assistants and developed strong occupational therapy programs for inpatients.
“She brought with her many years of experience and a great deal of enthusiasm. She displayed a caring disposition and always went the extra mile for her patients to meet their needs, even bringing in items from her home when she discovered her patient might have a need,” Gabriel said. “On several occasions she researched programs in the community she thought her patients would benefit from when they were discharged.”
After 11 years of working in the inpatient area, Burggraf took the opportunity to try something new and moved into the role of outpatient clinic and school therapist. She primarily works in the HVCH outpatient rehabilitation clinic and provides occupational therapy services in the Logan-Hocking School system. She also trains and teaches occupational therapy assistants who work in the school setting.
“She brings to that position the same care and dedication that she had in her previous position,” Gabriel continued. “Mary always brings her best to work. She has a very positive attitude and a truly caring spirit. She is interested in her co-workers and what is going on in their lives and is a true encourager. She puts the needs of her patients first. Her patients quickly consider her a friend, as they spend time in her presence and realize just how much she cares.”
The HVCH Rehabilitation Department provides occupational, physical and speech therapy services. Occupational therapy is a treatment that helps people overcome physical, emotional and social challenges. Occupational therapy can help patients regain independence in all areas of their lives.