Occupational therapist Sharmila Gopalakrishnan was recently named March Colleague of the Month for Taylorville Memorial Hospital.
As a member of the rehabilitation therapy team, Gopalakrishnan is appreciated for her dedication, clinical creativity and commitment to patients and colleagues. She has come in on days off and stayed after hours on multiple occasions to ensure quality of care. Her nominator praised her patient-focused approach.
“Shar never hesitates to do what is right for her patients, whether that means adjusting her schedule, taking on additional responsibilities or advocating for the needs of vulnerable populations.”
Gopalakrishnan also displays an innovative approach to pediatric rehabilitation. She develops engaging, creative therapy techniques specifically designed to keep children motivated and moving forward.
“Shar’s reliability, creativity and unwavering dedication makes her profoundly deserving of this award,” wrote her nominator. “Her proactive problem‑solving and willingness to support others ensure the department functions smoothly, even during challenging periods. She invests in the long‑term success of the team by sharing knowledge, offering solutions and modeling a work ethic that inspires those around her.”
Gopalakrishnan has worked at Memorial Health since 2017.
The Colleague of the Month award celebrates Memorial Health colleagues who exemplify excellence in their roles and embody the organization's mission, vision and values.