Christopher Joseph, the director of physical therapy at Kennedy Krieger Institute, started his journey as a physical therapist during his school days, and this unique journey has led him to his current role. Having begun his career as a physical therapist and initially intending to be a stay-at-home father, he found himself pulled to tasks that capitalized on his ability for technology and statistics. This brought him a job as a director in Pittsburgh, where he spent five years honing his craft until getting hired by Kennedy Krieger.
In his present position, where he leads departments and programs and fosters innovation and collaboration in pediatric rehabilitation, his proficiency in utilizing data and technology has proven invaluable.
How would you define a typical workday at Kennedy Krieger and what are the primary responsibilities of your current position?
Talking about a normal workday at Kennedy Krieger, there is a wide variety of tasks involved. Managing the inpatient and outpatient pediatrics departments' finances and offering clinical supervision for therapies and family community services make my days quite typical.
Before starting any of the meetings related to ongoing research or administrative duties like budgeting, I usually start with patient care sessions, which can take place in the morning or the afternoon. I carry a broad background in physical therapy from various settings, such as schools, early intervention, inpatient and outpatient rehab, and day treatment. As a result of all these, I bring a well-rounded perspective to my role and ensure strategic management and thorough oversight of all areas of rehabilitation services.
Which significant challenges have you experienced throughout your career?
The healthcare industry presents several challenges, among which the reimbursement issue is one of the most significant. It can be quite challenging to balance the need to provide high-quality care within the time constraints and ensure that adequate compensation is provided.
Another challenge is building strong relationships with team members. A compassionate approach that fosters empathy and understanding, as well as a supportive environment where team members can comfortably voice their concerns and seek help, is crucial for maintaining both institutional health and staff well-being.
