Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics has named physical therapist Ann Riat as its February Path to Excellence Award recipient for continuously showcasing the organization’s core values and professional growth. Riat joined the Stewart Memorial team 19 years ago as a staff therapist and provides specialized rehabilitation services, specializing in pelvic health care for men, women, and pediatric patients. Riat says she was always drawn to rural hospital settings, where she knew she could make a lasting difference in a community, citing her passion for direct patient care. Over time, she expanded her expertise to include pelvic health, a service limited in the region that reduces the need for patients to travel long distances for more specialized care. Riat says, “People can tell when you truly care about them, and our rehab team treats patients like family. Teamwork and communication are key. I work with a phenomenal group of providers who are talented, caring, and highly skilled. I couldn’t ask for a better rehab team.” Riat credits Stewart Memorial for supporting her professional development throughout her career, from financial investments in her training to encouraging her to pursue new certifications. Hospital administrators and colleagues congratulate Riat on her award and thank her for her longstanding commitment to Stewart Memorial, Lake City, and the surrounding communities.
