Jefferson Moss-Magee Rehabilitation

10/30/2025

In honor of National Physical Therapy Month, meet Darrell L. Wisseman, PT, DPT, NCS, Physical Therapist at Jefferson Moss-Magee Rehabilitation and a Board-Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist.

Can you share a memory of working with a patient that was especially impactful?
"Early in my career, during a rotation on an inpatient brain injury unit, I helped a young man take his first dependent steps with a pilot walker and the support of several therapists. Months later, during an outpatient rotation, I worked with him again, this time walking more independently with a quad cane as his mother and wife watched with tears in their eyes. That moment reminded me how easy it can be to lose sight of the bigger picture in day-to-day care, but also how profoundly rehabilitation can transform lives."

What’s one piece of advice you give your patients?
"I don’t often give direct advice, but I strive to empower my patients to develop critical thinking skills and build confidence in their ability to problem-solve and adapt."

What’s the most gratifying part of your job?
"The most gratifying part of my job is witnessing the depth and complexity of the human experience and having the privilege to accompany people as they search for meaning and move forward."

What drew you to physical therapy, and how has your approach evolved?
"I took a winding path to physical therapy through the Marine Corps, studying philosophy, and working in international relations but I was always drawn to the fundamental role of movement in the human experience. Over time, my view has deepened to recognize the intricate ways our physical, emotional, and social worlds intertwine to both constrain and liberate our embodied selves."

10/29/2025

Congratulations to Christina Rinehimer, OTR/L, on receiving this month's Mission Moment award! Christina went above and beyond for a patient by collaborating across disciplines, bringing together OT, PT, nursing, and music therapy to ensure the best possible care and patient experience. Through her leadership and teamwork, Christina improved the patient’s comfort, range of motion, and overall function. Thank you, Christina!

10/28/2025

It's National Physical Therapy Month and we would like you to meet Belen Fresno Caturla, PT, DPT, Physical Therapist at Jefferson Moss-Magee Rehabilitation – Riverfront!

Can you share a memory of working with a patient that was especially impactful?
“During my residency, I treated a person with a very severe brain injury. He was the first person I treated with a brain injury. Both the patient, the patient’s family and I were in new territory, and every day we learned something new. With persistence, hard work, patience and time, this patient slowly but incredibly got better. He initially needed 4 people to walk a few feet. Fast forward a few months later, he was walking with supervision and a cane around the PT gym. His wife was an integral part of his rehabilitation, and I became very close to her. This experience challenged me not only as a PT, but also as a person. It taught me numerous lessons that I have taken with me. The laughs and cries we shared together are special and something that I hold very near to my heart.”

What’s one piece of advice you give your patients?
“The work I ask my patients to do during therapy is hard. I tell my patients that I will work as hard as I can to help them succeed; however, I need them to do the same. I tell them to have patience and keep going."

What’s the most gratifying part of your job?
“During the years, I have learned to love the little moments. As PTs we have big goals we want our patients to achieve. However, I love when a patient achieves even a small goal, and they instantly get a smile on their face. I love being my patient’s cheerleader. I strive to help them see their full potential, even after a life-changing event.”

What drew you to physical therapy, and how has your approach evolved?
“I always knew I wanted a job where I could help people. When the Boston Marathon Bombing happened in 2013, I remember a few months later watching a news report that interviewed people that were severely injured that day (mostly TBI, SCI and amputees). I remember most of them talking about how their rehabilitation process with PTs and OTs helped them get back to their lives. That was inspirational to me, and that day I decided I wanted to become a PT and specialize to treat people with neurological conditions. Around that same time, I had a doctor tell me 'physicians can cure people, but physical therapists give people their lives back.' That quote touched me, and I remember it to this day. Now that I am a physical therapist, I have learned about the different “hats” that physical therapists wear, and how much of what we do with our patients impact their lives. I love what I do, and I wouldn’t want to be doing anything else."

10/23/2025

Happy National Physical Therapy Month! Meet Monika Juodisius, PT, DPT, Senior Physical Therapist at the Brain Injury Center at Jefferson Moss-Magee Rehabilitation – Elkins Park and a Board-Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist.

Can you share a memory of working with a patient that was especially impactful?
"It's hard to choose just one! I have many fond memories of working with a patient who loved to sing, incorporating music into her sessions and even breaking out the Bluetooth karaoke mic (thanks to our rec therapist) to really get the whole gym involved! I love seeing patients' personalities emerge as they recover and getting to implement fun ways to work on engagement. PT shouldn't always feel like work; it can be fun too!"

What’s one piece of advice you give your patients?
"I always tell patients that their healing is often slower than we want it to be and recovery is not always linear. Often, patients get frustrated that they are not improving as fast as they want to and feel discouraged, but as a brain injury PT, I know that maximal recovery happens in the first 6 months and can even continue up to a year. It's hard to look that far out in the future, but it helps give patients and families hope!"

What’s the most gratifying part of your job?
"I love seeing patients heal and thrive! One of my favorite things about working here is having patients come back for an outpatient therapy session or a follow-up Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) visit and stop by to say hello. It is incredible to see the lasting impact we can have on our patients as well as how much improvement and change I can see even months after discharge from inpatient."

What drew you to physical therapy, and how has your approach evolved?
"I’ve always been interested in working with people and helping them heal. My idea of what I'm most interested in within the physical therapy profession has evolved throughout the years, as I now am neuro certified and specializing in the vestibular population. My approach to treating patients has always been similar: it takes a lot of hard effort and commitment to help bodies and nervous systems heal after a neurological injury, but research shows that our nervous system has the capacity to recover significantly and adapt to devastating injuries given the right circumstances."

10/22/2025

October's Mission Moment goes to both Lisa Magee, RN, Clinical Manager, 1st floor Stroke Program, and Sergeant Vincent Elias who have been recognized for their compassion and teamwork.

When a patient’s daughter needed help in a difficult moment, Sergeant Elias and Lisa worked quickly and quietly to provide comfort and dignity, allowing the patient to continue her care with confidence. Thank you both for leading with empathy and truly putting people first!

10/21/2025

Congratulations to Lindsay Sinnott, RN, from the 1st Floor Stroke Program at Jefferson Moss-Magee Rehabilitation – Elkins Park, for receiving a Mission Moment recognition! 💙

A patient’s wife recently shared how Lindsay’s compassion and kindness made a lasting impact during her husband’s stay — praising Lindsay for consistently going above and beyond to provide exceptional care.

Thank you, Lindsay, for embodying the true spirit of Jefferson and making a difference for our patients and their families every day! 👏

10/20/2025

Jefferson Moss-Magee Rehabilitation-Center City held its annual Art Heals fundraiser, which was attended by former and current patients who have participated in the art therapy program, as well as new supporters and longtime friends of Magee.

The show featured more than 50 pieces of art created over the last year in Art Therapy sessions at both inpatient and outpatient locations.

Three patient artists were awarded with the Daren Dieter Excellence in Art Award, which included a cash prize intended for the purchase of new art materials. The evening highlighted the healing power of art and the amazing talent and resiliency of Magee patients.

10/17/2025

Recently, Jefferson Moss-Magee Rehabilitation – Elkins Park partnered with the Brain Injury Association of Pennsylvania (BIAPA) for our annual Brain Injury Race for Recovery at Tyler State Park!

We’re proud to share that this year’s race welcomed 364 participants and raised nearly $17,000 for brain injury rehabilitation and support — our highest total since 2015!

A huge thank-you to everyone who ran, volunteered, donated, or sponsored the event. 💙 Together with BIAPA, we’re helping provide hope, healing, and resources for brain injury survivors and their families.

10/10/2025

09/30/2025

Helen Bartal, a patient in our Day Rehabilitation Hospital program, has been practicing her speech goals through Amos Lee's songs in music therapy- and today, she got a special visit from the singer/songwriter himself! 🎶

09/29/2025

Congratulations to Nicole Bongart, BSN, RN, CCRN, registered nurse from the Brain Injury Unit at Moss-Magee Rehabilitation Hospital, Elkins Park, and recipient of the September 2025 DAISY Foundation Award. Nicole was nominated for going above and beyond, showing kindness, compassion, and dedication. She builds trust with patients facing tough challenges, and her commitment to patient care excellence and support for families make her an inspiring role model.

08/29/2025

After surviving being shot 11 times, School District of Philadelphia Safety Officer Craig Romanczuk is home following weeks of care at Jefferson Moss-Magee Rehabilitation Hospital. 6abc Action News captured the powerful moment as family, friends, fellow officers, and police saluted his miraculous recovery. https://6abc.cm/3JwsssW

Staff at Jefferson Moss-Magee Rehabilitation Hospital in Center City honored Officer Craig Romanczuk on Thursday with a "clap out" celebration.