In our 10th episode of Workers' Comp Wednesday, we welcome Brooke Blower, President of Kids' Chance of Michigan, and Zoey Carty, a Kids' Chance scholarship recipient, for a conversation about their organization's mission and their impact on families affected by workplace injuries.

Together, we explore how Kids' Chance helps students pursue their education after a parent's workplace injury creates unexpected challenges for their family. The discussion highlights the importance of awareness, the role workers' compensation professionals play in connecting families to resources, and the lasting impact educational support can have on a student's future. Zoey also shares her own personal story and how the scholarship helped create new opportunities for her and the hope she now has for what lies ahead.

Stay tuned for future episodes of Mary Free Bed's Workers' Comp Wednesday. New audio-only episodes drop every third Wednesday of the month at 1p p.m. ET on your favorite podcast service.

#WorkCompWednesday #MaryFreeBedWorkersCompensation #WorkersCompensation #WorkersComp #KidsChance #KidsChanceMichigan #EducationMatters #CommunityImpact #FamilySupport #MaryFreeBed

In this episode of Workers' Comp Wednesday, we welcome Maleigh Ruddy of Special Tree, Christine Nelson of Pate Rehabilitation, and Kristin Carbullido of QLI for a conversation about transitional neuro rehabilitation and the role it plays in long-term recovery.

Together, they explore how transitional neuro rehabilitation supports patients as they move from inpatient rehabilitation toward greater independence. The panel discusses the importance of individualized care, community integration, and coordinated support systems in helping patients achieve meaningful recovery, highlighting unique considerations when workers are moving out of state for care. Panelists also share perspectives on rehabilitation planning, family engagement, and the factors that contribute to lasting success.

Stay tuned for future episodes of Mary Free Bed's Workers' Comp Wednesday. New audio-only episodes drop every third Wednesday of the month at 1p p.m. ET on your favorite podcast service.

#WorkCompWednesday #MaryFreeBedWorkersCompensation #WorkersCompensation #WorkersComp #NeuroRehabilitation #BrainInjuryRehabilitation #CommunityIntegration #ReturnToWork #Rehabilitation #MaryFreeBed

In this episode of Workers' Comp Wednesday, we welcome Dr. Michael Choo, Chief Medical Officer of Paradigm, and Ryan Podvin, Chief Financial Officer of Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation, for a conversation about value-based partnerships in workers' compensation.

Together, they explore how providers, payers and employers can align around a common goal: helping injured workers achieve meaningful recovery and return to function. The discussion examines the principles of value-based care, shared accountability, proactive clinical decision-making and the role of data in improving outcomes. Dr. Choo and Ryan also discuss lessons learned from successful partnerships, the challenges of balancing risk and accountability, and how emerging technologies may shape the future of workers' compensation.

Stay tuned for future episodes of Mary Free Bed's Workers' Comp Wednesday. New episodes drop every third Wednesday of the month.

#WorkCompWednesday #ComebacksThatWork #MaryFreeBedWorkersCompensation #WorkersCompensation #WorkersComp #ValueBasedCare #ReturnToWork #Rehabilitation #MaryFreeBed

In this episode, the Mary Free Bed Workers’ Compensation team reflects on the year so far. The conversation highlights lessons learned since IRSG, along with the growth and challenges of building a workers’ compensation program and what has us most excited for the future.

The team also looks ahead to the upcoming WCI Conference, where key sessions will explore the topics and trends shaping the industry.

Stay tuned for future episodes of Mary Free Bed’s Workers’ Comp Wednesday. New episodes drop every third Wednesday of the month.

#WorkCompWednesday #MaryFreeBedWorkersCompensation #WorkersCompensation #WorkersComp #Rehabilitation #MaryFreeBed

This episode of Workers’ Comp Wednesday features a powerful conversation with John, who experienced a workplace injury, and his wife, Heather. They share their firsthand experience navigating recovery, identity and workers’ compensation.

Joined by Stephanie Anderson and Ami Bowen, the group explores the moments that shaped John and Heather’s recovery journey culminating in John’s return to work. They offer a valuable perspective as a couple that’s collaborated with the Mary Free Bed Workers’ Compensation Team to craft a comeback that works.

Stay tuned for future episodes of Mary Free Bed’s Workers’ Comp Wednesday. New episodes drop every third Wednesday of the month.

#WorkCompWednesday #MaryFreeBedWorkersCompensation #WorkersCompensation #WorkersComp #Rehabilitation #ReturnToWork #MaryFreeBed

In our fifth episode of Workers’ Comp Wednesday, the panel explores what an injured worker’s return-to-work journey looks like through multiple lenses, including clinical expertise, field case management and collaboration between stakeholders.

Together, Cory Sueing, a return-to-work occupational therapist with Mary Free Bed, and Allison Mulder, a field case manager with Genex, an Enlyte Company, join the panel to discuss a wide range of topics surrounding return-to-work programming. This episode highlights how clinicians, case managers, employers and claims professionals collaborate to keep recovery on track. Through real‑world scenarios and practical insights, the group explores why cases stall, how key services support progress, and how concise communication empowers workers as they return to meaningful employment.

Stay tuned for future episodes of Mary Free Bed’s Workers’ Comp Wednesday. New episodes will drop every third Wednesday of the month. There's also a video version of this episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5r3hIr7Ulds

#WorkCompWednesday #MaryFreeBedWorkersCompensation #WorkersCompensation #WorkersComp #Rehabilitation #ReturnToWork #MaryFreeBed

In our fourth episode of Workers’ Comp Wednesday, we explore how injured workers access acute rehabilitation.

Joined by Dr. Chris Rizik and Marisa Gonzalez, members of Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation’s inpatient access team, the panel discusses the admission process and the unique opportunities that arise in workers’ compensation cases. The conversation highlights how early identification, strong stakeholder relationships, and clear communication can prevent delays and keep the injured worker at the center of care. The team also talks state by state regulatory differences, common barriers to timely admission, and collaborative strategies that help ensure workers receive the right care at the right time.

In our third episode of Workers’ Comp Wednesday, we explore the growing clinical and financial impact of post-concussion injuries in the workforce and why timely, multidisciplinary care is essential.

For this conversation, the Mary Free Bed Workers’ Compensation team is joined by Michelle Terrell and Katie O’Brien, outpatient therapists with the Mary Free Bed adult post-concussion team. Through their discussion, listeners learn what concussions are, how they’re diagnosed, and the trends they’re seeing across different job types. They walk through best practice treatment approaches, how they tailor care to varied job demands, and the collaborative communication required across employers, adjusters, and care teams to ensure safe and appropriate return to work accommodations are put in place.