by Rebecca Shenk, front desk associate at Therapeutic Associates St. Helens Physical Therapy
Have you ever been curious about the life of a front desk associate at Therapeutic Associates? As I approach my five-year anniversary with Therapeutic Associates St. Helens PT, I can confidently say that the front desk is the heart of our clinic. Throughout the company, our administrative teams are the lifeblood of our clinics, pumping warmth and energy into every patient interaction whether it is in person or simply over the phone.
As the first point of contact for patients — whether they are brand new to our clinic, are somewhere in the middle of their course of care with us or are a familiar face returning after a long hiatus — our front desk team doesn’t just greet people when they walk through our doors, we welcome them into a community that is dedicated to their healing journey.
In many ways, I see myself and the rest of the front desk team as administrative cheerleaders who set the tone for the entire clinic by creating a kind and comforting atmosphere where everyone feels at ease.
While I enjoy my daily tasks such as scheduling, answering phones, and explaining insurance benefits, the connections I’ve made with patients are truly priceless.
There have been countless times when I have felt compelled to go the extra mile for patients-turned-friends. From simple gestures such as delivering a forgotten wallet to notable efforts such as steam cleaning a patient’s carpet, going the extra step to be of service can make a significant difference in the life of someone struggling with mobility.
Our patients are each balancing their recovery journey with the demands of their daily lives, working to maintain their livelihoods, juggling work, home and family. I take great satisfaction in accommodating their specific needs, knowing that a flexible and convenient schedule can significantly ease their stress. The process involves a lot of problem-solving and maneuvering, but I find joy in making scheduling as seamless as possible.
By consistently communicating with each patient’s physical therapist, the front desk team ensures our scheduling adheres to the recommended plan of care tailored to patients’ unique needs, allowing us to support their journeys to recovery with precision and compassion.
For most patients, the path to recovery and rehabilitation requires one or two appointments per week for several consecutive weeks. This cadence provides ample opportunity for relationship building and fosters a sense of connection and trust. As a front desk associate, I feel invested in each patient’s journey and find it incredibly rewarding to cheer them on from the sidelines. I get to witness their progress as they work toward rehabilitation, regaining strength, mobility and confidence with each session.
With each week that passes, I get to witness the visible transformation patients experience as their bodies are renewed and lives changed through physical therapy. Seeing the joy in a person’s eyes because they can once again kneel in the garden, reach the top shelf in their pantry, or bend over to pet their furry friend is overwhelmingly gratifying.
As a front desk employee, I have the pleasure of being a part of their recovery, as an observer and a cheerleader from their first appointment to their last. Watching someone who arrived at their first visit using a walker, walk out independently on graduation day is truly inspiring, and it’s a privilege to be part of their transformation.
My job as a front desk associate at Therapeutic Associates empowers me to put my uncanny knack for understanding people’s needs to use.
Additionally, this position has opened my eyes to the constant need for care and support in this world – from patients who need someone to lean on to the passerby who simply needs to see a smile and a nod to lift their spirits.
Working at the front desk of Therapeutic Associates has been more than just a job — it is a deeply fulfilling experience that allows me to make a meaningful impact every day. The role of a front desk associate is central to each clinic’s success, not only by managing the logistics of patient care but by fostering a warm, welcoming environment that supports every patient’s healing journey.
As I reflect on nearly five years with the company, I am grateful for the countless opportunities to witness and contribute to the incredible transformations our patients undergo. Every smile, every word of encouragement, and every small act of kindness adds up to a profound difference in their lives. It’s a privilege to be part of such a dedicated team and to play a role in helping our patients reclaim their lives and their joy.
Join the Therapeutic Associates Family
If you’re looking for an opportunity to join a company that is committed to a collaborative culture of growth, inclusion and fulfillment, supported by resources that make a difference in your life, the life of your patients, your local communities and the world, consider a career with Therapeutic Associates Physical Therapy. With clinics throughout Oregon, Washington, Idaho and California, we are always on the lookout for exceptional people who would be a great fit for our team!
