Vail Health/Photo courtesy
Ellie Sabins, a physical therapist at Howard Head Sports Medicine, has been selected as the ninth recipient of the Vail Health Elevate Award. Vail Health created the Elevate Awards in June 2022 to allow patients and their families to nominate and thank employees who have impacted their lives in some way.
A native of Taiwan, Sabins immigrated to the United States with her family at an early age and grew up in Bellingham, Washington and attended the University of Washington in Seattle. She qualified as a physical therapist in Nashville, Tennessee and then applied for a clinical training position at Howard Head Sports Medicine in Eagle. Her husband, Derek, said Sabins loved the work and the people during her clinical training, so when she received an offer from Howard Head Sports Medicine, she gladly accepted. Sabins joined Howard Head Sports Medicine in Eagle in August 2019.
“Ellie knew from an early age that she wanted to be a physical therapist. She was mentored early on and worked as an assistant in a physical therapy clinic during college,” said Derek Sabins, who works at the Eagle Fire Department. “She really enjoyed physical therapy school at Belmont University, and I think that just reinforced her desire to become a physical therapist.”
Sabins teaches Pure Barre classes at Edwards and loves all forms of exercise including running, weight lifting, skiing and being outdoors. She has helped Howard Head Sports Medicine expand the Vail Valley Running Club, which meets Thursday at the Eagle location.
“Ellie loves seeing her patients improve over time, and when they eventually make a full recovery or no longer need physical therapy, I think that’s what motivates her,” says Derek Sabins. “Ellie loves her family and friends, and she also loves running, which is why she runs the Vail Valley Running Club.”
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Sabins was nominated by a colleague at Vail Health, Lisa Hirota, senior director of compliance and privacy, for the exceptional care Hirota provided during her recovery from knee surgery.
“Following my injury and surgery, I was struggling with not only physical pain, but also anxiety and fear for the future of my athletic ability,” says Hirota, “But from the very beginning, Ellie demonstrated an unparalleled level of professionalism, compassion and expertise that immediately put me at ease. Her genuine concern for my well-being was evident in every interaction, creating a supportive environment and empowering me to take on the challenges ahead.”
Hirota believes that the individualized treatment plan that Dr. Sabins created for her specific needs and goals played a key role in speeding up her recovery and regaining strength and function in her knee.
“Additionally, beyond her technical abilities, Ellie possesses a rare gift of empathy and encouragement,” Hirota says. “Not only did she guide me through the physical aspects of my rehabilitation, but she also provided unwavering emotional support during moments of setbacks and frustration. Her ability to instill in me the confidence and belief that I could overcome obstacles was truly transformative and has been a source of inspiration throughout my journey.”
Herota said he was impressed with Sabins’ consistent embodiment of integrity, kindness and professionalism, as well as his ability to foster a culture of inclusivity and respect.
“Ellie is not only an incredible clinician, but also a compassionate healer who has made an immeasurable difference in the lives of her patients, including mine,” Helota said. “Her unwavering dedication, expertise and genuine care exemplify the highest standards of excellence that Vail Health is proud of and honors.”
The Elevate Award directly aligns with Vail Health’s mission to improve the health of the entire mountain community it serves.
Patients and families are invited to nominate staff members who have made a meaningful difference in their health care experience. Nominators can work in any area of the Vail Health healthcare system, including hospitalization, lab and surgery centers, Howard Head Sports Medicine, Shaw Cancer Center, Colorado Mountain Medical and Eagle Valley Behavioral Health.
To nominate staff members from Vail Health, Colorado Mountain Medical, Eagle Valley Behavioral Health, Howard Head Sports Medicine or Shaw Cancer Center, visit http://www.vailhealth.org/ElevateAward>.;”>VailHealth.org/ElevateAward.
