Jehangir Daruwalla

As an acute care physical therapist at Summerlin Hospital Medical Center, Jehangir Daruwalla, or "J.D.," cares for patients who have suffered an acute injury or are recovering from surgery.

Many of his patients would prefer to lie in bed, but J.D.'s job is to provide acute rehabilitation services while they are in the hospital.

"Our patients often are weak, in pain and at a low point both physically and emotionally," says J.D. "But lying in bed is the worst thing they can do."

J.D. helps patients exercise and strengthen their bodies so they can sit up in bed and take their first steps.

"It's rewarding to see someone who was very ill and bedridden start to get better and know that I was part of the team that helped," says J.D.

Although patient care is his primary focus, J.D. uses his expertise in other ways as well. For example, he shares his knowledge and experience with students in the University of Nevada, Las Vegas physical therapy program who train at Summerlin. His work with students recently earned him UNLV's prestigious Clinical Educator of the Year Award.

J.D., who has worked at Summerlin Hospital for two years, is quick to point out that he and the other acute care physical therapists work as a team.

"We all enjoy working together and helping patients start the road to recovery," he says.

The Valley Health System c/o Valley Hospital Medical Center 620 Shadow Lane Las Vegas, NV 89106