For Michael Chandler, becoming a patient relations specialist at Craig H. Neilsen Rehabilitation Hospital felt like a perfect opportunity. His connection to Neilsen Rehabilitation Hospital is deeply personal. His mom, Sandra, was among the first patients admitted in 2020, just months after the hospital opened during the COVID-19 pandemic.
That spring, Michael’s parents went on an anniversary trip and rented bikes. Sandra kept veering to the right, something the family noticed but dismissed as odd.
Later, when she mentioned memory issues at a routine physical, her doctor ordered a CT scan. The results showed a benign meningioma about the size of a tennis ball. Neurosurgeon Sarah Menacho, MD, MBA, successfully removed the tumor, but the surgery caused a massive stroke due to pressure on her blood vessels.
In July 2020, Sandra was admitted to Neilsen Rehabilitation Hospital for rehab while strict visitor restrictions were in place. “If you walked out the doors, you couldn’t come back in,” Michael remembers. He stayed by her side for a full week. He learned how to use a Hoyer lift, assist with transfers, and support her as she began the difficult work of recovery.
While considering a career change, Michael was inspired by his experience and encouraged by friends at University of Utah Health. He applied for patient relations roles and felt a strong connection to the opening at Neilsen Rehabilitation Hospital. Now, he helps families manage outpatient scheduling and navigate the often-overwhelming next steps of rehab. “I can tell them, ‘It’s going to be hard for the next few months, but you’ll figure it out."
Today, Sandra is doing well. She continued therapy at Sugar House Health Center, sees Nick Gavern, MD, in the outpatient clinic, and even traveled to Wisconsin to visit family. She participates in TRAILS and loves the adaptive sports program. Michael, along with his dad and brother, continues to support her recovery. They give her memory “homework” and cheer on her progress.
Looking back, he says returning to Neilsen Rehabilitation Hospital as an employee feels lighter.
“It’s nice to be on both sides,” he said. “Everyone here is going through something, but not everyone goes through what I did. Being able to share knowledge and advice makes a difference.”