Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics is proud to recognize Jill Birks, PT, MSPT, ATC, CMYK, as its October Path to Excellence honoree. For 34 years, Birks has been a dedicated member of the Stewart Memorial rehabilitation team, building relationships with patients and colleagues while continuing to grow with the profession she loves.
Birks’ journey with Stewart Memorial began shortly after she graduated as a physical therapist. She was newly married, living in Lytton and had no idea that a wedding announcement in the local newspaper would lead to a career that would span more than three decades.
“Bob Dickkut’s wife Carol had seen in our wedding announcement in the newspaper where it said I was a new PT grad,” Birks said. “He called me up and set up an interview. It was perfect timing as they just had a PT resign.”
Since then, Birks has watched both Stewart Memorial and physical therapy evolve. When she began, the rehabilitation department was made up of just two physical therapists and nearly everything was done on paper. Today, she is part of a much larger rehabilitation team and has adapted to countless changes in technology, documentation and the way care is delivered.
For Birks, though, one thing has remained constant: the importance of working together.
Of Stewart Memorial’s core values, Communication and Team Oriented resonate most with her.
“I like to be informed and therefore I like to be sure everyone is on the same page,” Birks said. “I’m known to overcommunicate!”
That approach can be seen in the way she works with both patients and colleagues. Birks makes a point of communicating with a patient’s primary care or referring provider when she sees something that may be important to their care. In Rockwell City, she also shares a close working relationship with fellow physical therapist Jaclyn Warehime.
“We like to say that you are getting two PTs instead of one,” Birks said.
That collaborative mindset has helped Birks make an impact beyond her individual patients. She played a key role in implementing Stewart Memorial’s concussion protocols, including ImPACT concussion testing at area schools. Even years later, she continues to stay current on changes in concussion management and share that information with her team.
Her commitment to learning has been a consistent part of her career. With support from Stewart Memorial leadership, Birks became certified in Myokinesthetic and helped bring the founder of the program to Stewart Memorial to provide training for staff.
She also finds inspiration in the people around her. Birks regularly collaborates with colleagues and enjoys exchanging ideas about patient care and new approaches to physical therapy.
“I like to think we inspire each other to continue to learn,” Birks said.
That mindset extends to her family as well. Her daughter and two sons-in-law are physical therapists, giving Birks a unique opportunity to compare what is being taught today with what she learned more than 30 years ago.
“I loved to hear what was being taught currently versus 30 years ago and I continue to ‘pick their brains,’” Birks said.
After 34 years, Birks’ impact is reflected not only in the patients she has helped, but also in the colleagues she has learned from, supported and collaborated with along the way. Her willingness to keep learning, share knowledge and adapt to change has helped her grow alongside Stewart Memorial while remaining committed to the work she has always loved.
Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics congratulates Jill Birks on being recognized as the October Path to Excellence honoree and thanks her for 34 years of dedication to her patients, colleagues and the continued growth of rehabilitation at Stewart Memorial.
