Cox Barton provides ideal work environment for passionate physical therapy team

As employees of the physical therapy department of Cox Barton County Hospital, Jim Yockey and Mel Leibbrand find immense joy in their work. They have each dedicated more than two decades to passionately serving the community.

Mel, a registered physical therapist, grew up in Barton County and worked as a physical therapy technician for five years before completing her Master of Physical Therapy degree. When tallying up the years, she has worked at the hospital for close to 28 years.

Mel shared that there are many things she loves about being a physical therapist and working at a rural hospital like Cox Barton.

"The time I spend with my patients allows me to make a real connection with them," says Mel. "I also love problem-solving and finding ways to help my patients improve their mobility so they can continue doing the things they enjoy."

Jim grew up on a farm near El Dorado Springs, Missouri. He has worked at Cox Barton for a little over 25 years as a physical therapy assistant.

A shoulder injury and eventual surgery piqued Jim’s interest in physical therapy. He worked with a physical therapist at Cox South, Phillip Taylor, and when he finished, he had a feeling it was time for a career change.

"Seeing a patient’s progress after having a stroke, joint surgery, or an accident is gratifying," says Jim. "It makes me feel good when I see a patient living a better life after having therapy."

Jim and Mel feel incredibly fortunate to have an amazing team of co-workers who have become like family to them.

"I believe what makes this team special is each person's genuine willingness to support one another whenever needed," says Mel. "We're always there for each other, cheering on every success and celebrating every victory, no matter how big or small."

Jim finds working at the rural hospital in Lamar to be incredibly fulfilling, as it allows him to achieve a perfect work-life balance while being part of a wonderful community.

“I am extremely passionate about the outdoors, especially fishing and hunting with my grandkids. I also take immense joy in watching my koi fish gracefully swim in the pond and observing the variety of birds that visit my feeders,” says Jim. “Every single day at noon, I go home to ensure my dogs get some playtime; they’re like my little kids, always bringing so much joy into my life.”

Mel says that despite the hospital's recent string of awards, what really makes Cox Barton a terrific place to work is its culture.

“We’re all just down to earth, good human beings,” says Mel. “For me, I want to do the work that I was intended to do, I want to help provide for my family and make them proud of the wife, mom, and daughter that I am.”

Both members of the team agree that they profoundly impact their patients' lives by delivering high-quality physical therapy to patients who sometimes must travel many miles to receive care.

“Cox Barton is a vital part of our community,” says Jim. “There are deep rewards that come from serving our patients with dedication and heart.”

Would you like to be a part of our dynamic physical therapy team? Click here to apply today: https://www.coxhealth.com/careers/