Misty Maples Fowler, a Bainbridge native and a patient-assessment standards coordinator at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital in Dothan, has been honored as one of only six finalists out of Encompass Health’s more than 29,000 inpatient rehabilitation employees in the Encompass Health, formerly HealthSouth, network to receive the 2017 Outstanding Employee Achievement Award. Misty was honored at an awards banquet in Birmingham.

Award finalists were selected based on their performance in four areas: contributions to extraordinary patient experience; team spirit and cooperation; commitment to continuous quality improvement; and going about and beyond the call of duty.

The process began with each of Encompass Health’s 127 inpatient rehabilitation hospitals honoring a hospital employee of the year. Then, six winners were named at the regional level, and one overall recipient was named for the company.

Her role at the hospital allows Misty, who is a former physical therapist assistant, to still interact with patients and ensure positive patient outcomes. Since taking on the role in 2015, Misty has worked nights and weekends to education clinical staff. She also trains nurses and therapists on Encompass Health’s electronic medical records system.

Encompass Health Dothan CEO Margaret Futch said the PSA coordinated role was added to the hospital in 2015. She said Misty was the perfect fit for the position because she’s very serious about her role and what it means to the outcomes and the hospital.

Anne Marie Flannery, director of therapy operations at Encompass Health Dothan, said everything Misty does, she does at the highest level. She said that it’s a privilege to work with Misty, whose greatest strength is her love for the patients.