Thursday, August 18, 2016
Brian Connors, physical therapy aide, strives to do his best and to keep busy. He genuinely enjoys helping people and working for Beaumont.
He came to Beaumont in 2013 through Project SEARCH. During this one-year school-to-work program for young adults with intellectual disabilities, he worked through three rotations, gaining real-world experience. “I really learned a lot about being an employee,” he said.
One of these internships was in Physical Therapy at the Beaumont Health and Wellness Center, Rochester Hills. This was such a great fit for Brian that he was hired as a physical therapy aide in 2014 after graduating from the program.
He typically arrives at work early to punch in and create a detailed work checklist. His to-do list includes: stocking linens, putting away heat packs and equipment, making ice bags and treatment beds as well as sanitizing equipment.
“He works hard from the minute he walks in until the minute he leaves,” said Jamie Janes, Brian’s supervisor. “He is so proficient at his work that we have had to continually increase his responsibilities within the clinic. Also, Brian has an uplifting smile and is kind enough to laugh at all of our rehab jokes. We feel truly blessed that Brian is part of our Beaumont family.”
He works hard from the minute he walks in until the minute he leaves.
Jamie, Brian's supervisor
In addition to his responsibilities in physical therapy, Brian volunteers three days a week at Beaumont Hospital, Troy in Area B and E Patient Registration. There, he prints paperwork and wristbands, double-checks codes and shreds documents. He started volunteering in November 2014 and has logged about 900 volunteer hours so far.
Many people also recognize Brian for his amazing singing voice. He sang for several events at Beaumont Hospital, Troy as well as performing the National Anthem at Oakland University basketball games, the 2016 Swim League Championship, the Ted Lindsay Foundation charity golf outing and a University of Michigan gymnastics meet.
A devoted Detroit sports fan, his current goal is to sing at a Detroit Tigers game.
"Hey @tigers - Brian can sing! How about a National Anthem audition? http://bmntsys.tm/2bie8B8" [Click to tweet]
In his free time, Brian likes to stay active and workout five days a week. An avid roller coaster fan, you may also find him with his family at Cedar Point riding Millennium Force, the 310 foot, 93 miles-per-hour thrill ride.