Mahoning Valley Safety Council: Best practices for transitioning workers back to work after an injury

Description

Topic: Return to Work: Best practices for transitioning workers back to work after an injury.

Developing a Return to work plan promotes the employees recovery and the employer’s productivity by minimizing prolonged absences and reducing the financial impact of disability. We will discuss the importance of early intervention to prevent prolonged absences and the importance of communication across teams.

About the Speaker:

Franchessca (Frankie) Catalano, DMSc, PA-C is a Physician Assistant currently practicing at Mercy Health in Occupational Medicine in our Boardman office (located inside the Boardman YMCA). Frankie graduated in 2011 from Gannon University with a Bachelor's Degree in Health Science, and again in 2012 with a Master's Degree in Physician Assistant Science. She went on to obtain her Doctorate Degree in Medical Science from the University of Lynchburg completing my thesis on PRP injections for the treatment of Lateral Epicondylitis. After graduating in 2012, she worked in the St. Elizabeth Youngstown, Boardman, and Austintown Emergency Department locations for the first 6 years of her career. While working in Emergency Medicine, she was able to treat an array of ailments, including completing First Report of Injuries for Worker's Compensation as well as Level I Trauma Experience. While maintaining a PRN position in the ED, she then pivoted into Urgent Care and Occupational Medicine which is where she currently practices. Her goal in occupational medicine is to help injured workers return to gainful employment. Frankie also performs pre-employment physicals for multiple companies in our area as well as Fit For Duty examinations. She is a DOT Medical Examiner and a QTC certified provider.

As a working mother of a 4 year old girl and 2 year old son, her hobbies include time with them- going to the zoo, walks outside, digging for worms, and trips to the park! As a previous marathon (x3) runner, she has always loved being active outside. Frankie and her husband are both of Italian heritage and enjoy cooking and attending local Italian festivals.