Roxanna Godinez (left), Edinburg Regional Rehab Center assistant administrator, recently recognized Maria Ester Rodriguez for her 40 years of dedicated service at McAllen Medical Center.

Patients on the road to recovery at McAllen Medical Center's Outpatient Rehabilitation Department come and go, but Maria Ester Rodriguez, an orthopedic technician at the acute care hospital, is here to stay.

"Rain or shine, I'm always here. It's like my home away from home," says Maria, who recently celebrated four decades of employment at McAllen Medical Center. "I'm going for another 40 years."

Maria began her career with McAllen General Hospital in the Linen Department in September 1966. For 10 years, she delivered linen to the hospital's Rehabilitation Department, where she observed the therapist's role nursing patients to better health. When a position for a physical therapist aide became available, she applied and got the job.

As an orthopedic technician, one of her duties is to fit and adjust canes, crutches and walkers. And while advances in technology have made her job easier, she often falls back on traditional methods and tools to help her patients achieve recovery.

"I love what I do," Maria says. "I enjoy helping my patients, and it makes me feel good when I see patients who came here unable to move, leave here walking."

Compassionate, responsible, dedicated and dependable adequately describe Maria, one of many outstanding rehabilitation professionals at South Texas Health System, which offers therapeutic services for patients recovering from traumatic injury, surgery or chronic illness.

She advises aspiring orthopedic technicians and physical therapist aides to follow their hearts when pursuing a career in healthcare. "If you love to work with patients, you're going to love what you do."

For more information on rehabilitation services at South Texas Health System, call the Edinburg Regional Rehab Center at 956-388-6200.

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