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ALLENTOWN, PA — For Jennifer West, PT, MPT, MBA, MSCS, leading Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network’s award-winning Multiple Scleroris (MS) Wellness Program is not just an opportunity to help people living with the disease, it’s personal for her, too.
That’s because West, a trained physical therapist and certified MS specialist, also lives with MS.
“I have lived with MS since 2003, which was only three years after starting my career as a physical therapist,” says West. “As I have seen changes and progressions in my MS and have sought out various treatments for myself, I decided I wanted to get more involved in the MS community.”
Combining MSCS certification with her 20-plus years of physical therapy experience ultimately will benefit MS patients in the region, West says.
“I will be able to relate first-hand with MS patients, because I am right there with them,” says West. “That connection can and will be very helpful in providing effective care.”
Multiple Scleroris Treatment
The MS Wellness Program is based out of the Good Shepherd Health & Technology Center, 850 S. 5th Street, in South Allentown. The program provides health and wellness education, modified group exercise, social outings and updates on the latest MS research.
Program members also have access to MS treatment from Good Shepherd, a National MS Society “Partner in MS Care,” including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, physician/physiatry services, vision therapy and other services.
Experience
Previously, West served as the site manager of Good Shepherd’s outpatient Schnecksville site, where she treated a variety of orthopedic and neurological diagnoses.
West earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Lafayette College, a master’s in physical therapy from Medical College of Pennsylvania (MCP) Hahnemann University (now Drexel University College of Medicine) and a master’s in business administration from DeSales University. During her time at Lafayette, West was a three-time captain of the Division I softball team, earning Patriot League Player of the Year honors in back-to-back years. West also was inducted into the college’s Hall of Fame in 2011.
Learn more about Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network’s MS Wellness Program or contact MSWellness@gsrh.org or 610-776-3585. To make an appointment for outpatient rehabilitation services, call 1-888-44-REHAB or request an appointment online.
About Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network
Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network, a nationally recognized, not-for-profit rehabilitation leader with more than 70 locations in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, is committed to transforming lives through expertise, innovation and compassion.
Good Shepherd provides an exceptional patient experience for all ages and stages by developing leading-edge solutions, often for complex medical situations; serving as a test site for the newest rehabilitation technologies; and inspiring hope in all we do.
Good Shepherd traces its pioneering spirit for innovation and compassionate care to its founding family, The Rev. John “Papa” Raker and D. Estella “Mama” Raker. In 1908, the Rakers opened the Good Shepherd Home to care for children with disabilities and senior citizens, filling an unmet community need — and setting the stage for Good Shepherd’s continued growth as a rehabilitation groundbreaker.
Headquartered in Allentown, Pennsylvania, Good Shepherd also partners with Penn Medicine to provide rehabilitation and specialty services in the greater Philadelphia area and New Jersey through Good Shepherd Penn Partners.
Learn more about Good Shepherd’s mission and vision.
Information provide to TVL by:
Mike Walbert
Marketing & Communications Specialist
Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network
