Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – May 1, 2024 – Andy Shatley was just announced as the new Executive Director of Rehab Services at St. Bernards Medical Center, bringing with him over two decades of experience in the field of physical therapy.
Shatley explained to JRN, “Executive Director of Rehab Services is responsible for the provision of care, policy development, long and short-range planning, and business development for St. Bernards Medical Center and its regional affiliates, outpatient clinics, and athletic training outreach program.”
Shatley’s journey into physical therapy was fueled by a desire to care for others. While initially drawn to hands-on patient treatment, he transitioned to a leadership role some 16 years ago, recognizing the opportunity to impact the broader healthcare landscape and support the professional growth of his team. His new role represents a culmination of years of dedication to the field and a commitment to enhancing the lives of both therapists and patients.
Having spent nearly two decades at St. Bernards, Shatley reflects on what initially drew him to the institution and what has kept him there.
“After graduating from physical therapy school, I sat down with Sam Denton, Greg Denton and Kevin Hodges in the spring of 2005. Sam and Greg co-owned St. Bernards’ contracted therapy services, Therapy Providers of Arkansas, while Kevin served (and still serves) as Senior Vice President of St. Bernards. We discussed my vision and career goals, which included a strategic creation and collaboration that yielded a comprehensive Sports Medicine program. After that meeting, we all agreed that my vision and strategic plan was possible and part of St. Bernards’ market focus. After 19 years, everything we discussed has come to fruition.”
Surrounding himself with a talented team including individuals like Greg Denton, Todd Burton, and Mike Boone has been instrumental in driving the success of rehabilitation services at St. Bernards.
Shatley spoke of his experience working alongside these mentors and friends, “These three individuals possess a wealth of rehabilitation industry experience and wisdom to lean into daily. Together, we make decisions and find solutions that prepare our department and hospital system to meet the present and future needs of our community. I am fortunate to be surrounded by this much knowledge of the rehab industry. I am excited to work with this team and cannot wait to work alongside them as we continue to make St. Bernards the place where providers choose to work and where patients look to for care.”
Reflecting on the evolution of physical therapy over the past two decades, Shatley highlights the impact of evidence-based practice and technological advancements on patient care. “The next generation of providers arrives out of school with an unbelievable level of research and professionalism.” He added, “They have catapulted our profession forward regarding intervention selection, rehab approaches, and episode efficiencies.”
Shatley continued to speak on St. Bernards’ innovative spirit, “St. Bernards initiated virtual reality and augmented reality sessions almost two years ago—before any other healthcare system in Arkansas. We also introduced instant force-plate feedback systems into our outpatient clinics last year to prevent injury and retrain balance and symmetry. Again, we used this technology before any other healthcare entity in the state. We always look for better and more efficient ways to deliver high quality care at St. Bernards.”
Shatley’s personal journey from professional baseball player to physical therapist underscores his deep-rooted connection to Jonesboro. Born in West Memphis, he lived briefly in Fort Smith before arriving in Jonesboro in 1983. He graduated from Nettleton High School in 1994 and was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in 1998 to play professional baseball. He returned to Northeast Arkansas to play football for Arkansas State University while completing his Pre-Med Biology undergraduate degree, and subsequent graduate degree in 2004.
“I joined St. Bernards in 2005 and have been here ever since,” Shatley reminisced.
His commitment to the community extends beyond the workplace, evident in his advocacy for healthy lifestyles and cycling initiatives.
As a fervent cyclist himself, Shatley envisions Jonesboro as a bicycle-friendly city, where residents can safely commute and enjoy the benefits of an active lifestyle. “I’m a bit of a cycling addict. I have three bikes—okay maybe more than three—and love road, mountain bike and gravel riding, each depending upon weather and traffic conditions. Riding is my therapy, and spending time with quality folks on the road is one of my weekly highlights.” Shatley went on, “I also encourage others to ride and live healthy lifestyles, serving on community advocacy committees and projects to promote that cause. My hope is that Jonesboro becomes a bicycle-friendly city where we can all safely ride our bikes to work!”
In his new role as Executive Director of Rehab Services, Andy Shatley exemplifies a steadfast dedication to homegrown excellence and a passion for improving the well-being of individuals within his community.
“I consider Jonesboro my hometown. I have many friends and colleagues here that make Jonesboro a great place to live, work, play, and raise a family.”