Jenia Howe, a physical therapist who has been an integral part of the UM Charles Regional Medical Center team for the past decade, began her career at the hospital as a volunteer. Today her dedication and passion demonstrate how we elevate the level of care we provide to our patients as part of our System’s high reliability journey to zero harm.
A Passion for Physical Therapy
Jenia’s journey began in the Philippines, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Bohol. She chose to specialize in physical therapy because of the diversity of opportunities it offers and the ability to work in various settings, including orthopedics and neurology. “Physical therapy offers various specializations to choose from,” Jenia said, “and you can select the setting you’re most comfortable with, whether it’s outpatient or acute care.”
Starting as a Volunteer
After moving to the United States in 2010, Jenia studied to become a licensed physical therapist and volunteered at UM Charles Regional. “I chose the rehab department because it is aligned with my career,” she recalled. “It was a valuable experience to observe and shadow the therapists.” This volunteer work provided her with exposure to the American health care system and reaffirmed her dedication to the field.
Commitment to Patient Care
Jenia’s favorite part of being a physical therapist is helping patients regain their independence and return to activities they love. “Helping people return to do the things they used to enjoy with less pain or difficulty is very rewarding,” she said. “Even small victories, like a patient being able to get in and out of bed without assistance, are incredibly fulfilling.”
Her commitment to personalized care is evident in her approach. Jenia and her fellow team members provide individualized treatment plans, continuously monitoring and adjusting care to meet each patient’s needs. “We emphasize maintaining functional gains through home exercise programs and community resources,” she said, highlighting the team’s dedication to long-term patient wellness.
A Supportive Team Environment
Jenia speaks highly of the teamwork and mentorship she has experienced at UM Charles Regional. “We have a good team; we work very well together,” she said. “During my early years as a PT here, I received mentorship that was very helpful.” This supportive environment not only fosters professional growth but also ensures that patients receive the highest standard of care.
Life Beyond the Clinic
Outside of her professional life, Jenia enjoys exploring amusement parks with her husband and taking long walks for exercise. Living in Charles County has given her a deep appreciation for the area’s rich history and local delicacies. “I love crab cakes!” she said. “Charles County is close to historic places like Annapolis, Washington, D.C., and Old Town Alexandria. I appreciate the area’s history.”
A Pillar of the Community
Jenia Howe’s journey from a volunteer to a vital member of the UM Charles Regional team is a testament to her dedication, expertise and compassion — and exemplifies how team members can grow professionally and personally at UM Charles Regional. As she continues to help patients achieve their rehabilitation goals, Jenia exemplifies how we provide “A better state of care,” while making UMMS more reliable and moving us closer to zero harm.