Jennifer Wilham named February Employee of the Month at ALMH

[February 24, 2012]  For Jennifer Wilham, job titles don't get in the way when it comes to helping others in the workplace.

A physical therapist at Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital, Wilham was named Employee of the Month for February.

"Jennifer is an asset to the rehab team," said Alyssa Schmidt, a co-worker who nominated her for the honor. "She is consistently offering a helping hand to others who have a full schedule, willing to lighten their load. You will even find her on her hands and knees cleaning if she has a free moment. There is not task too menial for her to perform and without complaint!"

Wilham has worked at ALMH since June 2008, after a brief stint at the hospital in 1999 while in clinical rotations as a student. She has a bachelor's degree in physical therapy from Bradley University.

She enjoys that no two days are alike in her chosen profession.

"I see a wide variety of patients with different diagnoses and from all walks of life," she said. "There is a lot of interaction with other staff members, and days are fast-paced."

To become a physical therapist, a bachelor's degree is required. Physical therapy programs, however, are now doctorate programs with about seven years of schooling. For a physical therapy assistant, an associate's degree is necessary.

"This is an excellent career choice and can be very rewarding when you see a patient fully recover," Wilham said.

She loves working at ALMH because of the respect the staff has for one another and patients.

"Not only do I get to work in this beautiful new state-of-the-art facility, but I also have the privilege of having incredible co-workers who feel more like extended family," she said.

ALMH employs 290 in a variety of roles. Each month someone is honored as Employee of the Month.

[Text from file received from Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital]