Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Belynda Montgomery. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Belynda, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?
My optimism comes from watching my patients and clients get better after putting in the hard work in therapy. It’s very exciting and rewarding to see someone go through a terrible situation and come out on the other side stronger. This deep knowledge they wouldn’t have gotten without their life being in the balance.
Personally, seeing my children and their friends worldly aware and become civicly minded gives me hope that the future of our world is in good hands.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
As a patient advocate, I help my clients be seen and heard as they navigate healthcare. This often requires lots of communication with the treatment team, client, and family to gently remind them about standards of care and specific client needs. In the past week, I had a client move from a hospital to a skilled nursing facility. He had sustained burns and none of the treatment plan or supplies had made it over to the new facility. I worked with the admissions team, the nurse, and wound care nurse to make sure the information was distributed and understood by the team. I also asked if the specialized wound care supplies were in stock at the facility so the wound care could happen that day. Everyone was informed and on board. Without advocacy, the team would not have had what they needed to treat him. I pull the treatment team together to find cooperation amongst everyone for betterment of my clients.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I am not afraid of much which helped when I was new in the field and had no idea what I was doing. I would advise to be curious as you learn and have fun as much as possible while learning about medicine and the body. Listen to what people say and what they don’t but, convey through body language. Have a mentor or two. People who have been doing what you desire to do in the world. These things will help you along the path to becoming a physical therapist assistant and patient advocate.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
I have grown into my own. Being a Patient Advocate in a new field with few people doing my same job in Austin has been a challenge. In my third year of business, I now know what benefit I provide to all aspects of patient care. Whether it’s taking clients to well-checks or when they are hospitalized, I can make sure their wishes for their care are honored.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bbmadvocate.com
- Instagram: BBM Advocate
- Facebook: BBM Advocate
- Linkedin: Belynda Montgomery
Image Credits
Michael James
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