Newswise — MAYWOOD, Ill. – After suffering a serious motorcycle accident and undergoing multiple surgeries, Ronald Kirchman spent 10 days in the inpatient rehab unit of Loyola University Medical Center.

His left leg was amputated. He had surgery on both elbows and one eyelid. He had nine pins in his hand and 78 staples in his head.

Kirchman has made extraordinary progress. He will begin walking soon on a prosthetic leg, and plans to return to work as a display designer before Thanksgiving.

“It’s amazing the way the staff here help you out,” Kirchman said.

Kirchman was among 41 patients who were honored Sept. 30 during Loyola’s 10th annual Patient of the Year Celebration, sponsored by the Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

Each week, Loyola names a Rehab Patient of the Week. These patients are selected from among hundreds of patients who each year undergo physical, occupational and speech-language therapy in Loyola’s inpatient unit. Patients are selected for showing qualities such as hard work, good cheer, dedication, a willingness to participate in therapy sessions even when fatigued and giving support and guidance to other patients.

Forty-one Patients of the Week returned to Loyola to be honored as 2014 Patients of the Year. Through courage, hard work and determination, they have made great progress rehabbing from conditions such as car and motorcycle accidents, burns, strokes, aneurysms, hip and knee replacements, back surgery, trauma, amputations, etc.

“The Rehab Patient of the Year Celebration is a great time for patients and staff to reflect on the journey they have taken to recovery,” said Jeffrey Oken, MD, interim medical director of the inpatient unit. “I have been so inspired by the patients, and by their families who have given them such fantastic support. And we are blessed to have such a dedicated staff.” Physical therapist Meghan Corley told the rehab patients that the coolest part of her job is how the people she helps end up helping her.

“Like when I had a hard time getting through to certain patients to motivate them,” she said. “You were the ones who took the extra time to talk to these patients, encourage them and relate to them in a way that I couldn’t. You have shown strength and determination beyond compare, and working with individuals like you on a daily basis is truly a blessing.”

Loyola’s acute inpatient rehabilitation unit includes two dedicated therapy rooms and private patient rooms with wheelchair-accessible bathrooms. The unit is accredited by CARF International, an independent, non-profit accrediting body.

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