There is a tenet that holds true across all human efforts. “Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.” This is a direct quote from Pele, the well-known Brazilian soccer player who is sometimes regarded as the best soccer player of all time.

Consulate Health Care has an employee that lives by this same rule. Tom Rodriguez, of Plantation Bay Rehabilitation Center in St. Cloud, Florida has an impeccable work ethic. In combination with the drive of his co-workers and some very motivated patients, the possibilities for physical therapy success are endless.

Growing up in the Philippines, Tom studied computer science in school. It wasn’t until later that he learned about a new college in the area that was offering a variety of healthcare training programs in professions including midwifery, nursing, and physical therapy. Tom studied five years at the school in Bacolod City, and in 1992, he earned a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy.

Tom came to the United States in 1993 and joined a company as a travelling physical therapist. He worked in St. Petersburg, Florida for approximately 11 years and along the way, he met his wife, who is a nurse. Together, they settled in Central Florida.

Tom came to the United States in 1993 and joined a company as a travelling physical therapist. He worked in St. Petersburg, Florida for approximately 11 years and along the way, he met his wife, who is a nurse. Together, they settled in Central Florida.

Twelve years ago, Tom was hired by Alfie to work at Plantation Bay. Alfie and Tom are still working together today, as the director and assistant director of rehabilitation at Plantation Bay. Alfie has been at Plantation Bay for 18 years, and Tom has had plenty of time to admire Alfie’s passion toward his work and his strong work ethic.

Tom loves his patients, enjoys what he does, and finds it easy to educate the patients. Tom believes that the strong therapy team and the supportive leadership in both the administration and nursing departments contribute to making Plantation Bay an excellent place to work.

We mentioned earlier that Tom has an incredible work ethic. He is very good at identifying a motivated patient too. Tom’s attitude toward his patients is, “You are my grandmother, and I want to get you home as soon as possible.” When he finds a patient who is very motivated to go home, Tom feels like the opportunities are boundless.  He told us that, “I am tough. I make them work hard.” The combination of a passionate therapist and a motivated patient are a match made in heaven according to Tom.

“You are my grandmother, and I want to get you home as soon as possible.”

Tom knows that Consulate’s Core Value of Respect is vital for good outcomes. He mentioned that respect must be shown to patients, co-workers, family members, and work superiors. In particular, he said that you can show respect for a patient by focusing on the patient fully during a session, and avoid being distracted by co-workers.

Believe it or not, Tom also works part-time in another building. On Sundays, he enjoys mountain biking with a group of riders. He also spends his free time with his two sons. “I’m a simple Joe,” he tells us. Tom, we think you are extraordinary and we appreciate all you do for our patients!

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