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May 6 , 2008

Sinyard named HRMC Employee of the Month for March

Don Sinyard, a physical therapist in the rehabilitation department at Haywood Regional Medical Center for 15 years, has impressed patients and co-workers with his professional and effective approach to therapy. Sinyard was chosen as HRMC Employee of the Month for March.

Sinyard primarily practices outpatient orthopedic physical therapy across the life span. Areas of other opportunity include: wound care, inpatient physical therapy, industrial rehabilitation and long-term care.

He received his bachelor and master’s degree in exercise physiology from Auburn University, a master of physical therapy from Western Carolina University, and further training in manual orthopedic physical therapy through the University of St. Augustine.

“I really enjoy the people that I work with. We all seem to get along very well, both at work and in the community. Good relationships with your co-workers are essential to performing your job well and really helps with longevity,” Sinyard said.

“I also get a big kick out of helping my patients return to previous activities or functions that they may have had to stop or change due to injury or illness,” he said.

Sinyard is originally from Birmingham, Ala., but said he has been coming to the mountains as far back as he can remember.

“My family is originally from Western North Carolina, so we always came here for short vacation trips,” Sinyard said.

“My wonderful wife of 20 years, Alyssa, and I have two children — Sam, a rising freshman at Tuscola and standout swimmer, and Brynna a rising sixth grader at Waynesville Middle “who promises to hit it big on Broadway one day,” he said.

“When not working, I enjoy just about everything outdoors — from hiking, flyfishing and cycling to racing offroad motorcycles,” Sinyard said.
Several patients wrote letters about Sinyard and submitted them through the Catch Someone program sponsored by HRMC to recognize the efforts of dedicated employees.

“It is with great pleasure that I write this letter complimenting Don Sinyard. I was recently diagnosed with myalgia, myositis and lumbar spondylosis and referred to outpatient rehab. I began working with Don on my physical therapy and have progressed tremendously,” a patient wrote on the Catch Someone nomination card.

“I previously used a walker and I was in a great deal of pain. I now use only a cane with increased mobility and limited pain,” another patient wrote.

“I drove for the first time in over six weeks. Don was respectful of my fragile condition from the beginning of treatment. He increased my exercise and therapy from week to week,” a patient wrote. “He was always professional and knowledgeable in his treatment while being courteous, caring, and concerned. He has been encouraging throughout my treatment and continued discussion of my progression. He is a valuable asset to HRMC.”