People of the U: Corinne Sampson and Alyssa Bradford

Published on Wednesday, June 17, 2020

By: Annie Oeth, aoeth@umc.edu

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Children’s of Mississippi physical therapists Corinne Sampson and Alyssa Bradford were nominated as a duo for Front and Center honors. The two team up to help patients during treatment sessions at the state’s only children’s hospital.

Angela Cooper, a registered nurse at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, nominated the pair for the way they’ve turned physical therapy, which can be strenuous, into play time for her daughter, Arlie, who has cerebral palsy.

“These two therapists make my daughter’s PT sessions so much fun,” Cooper said.

Sampson and Bradford keep Arlie, an imaginative 5-year-old, motivated by calling her whatever name she chooses that day. Sometimes she likes to go by “Maggie,” and other days, she likes to be “Sofia.”

Arlie loves to play with dolls, so Sampson, her PT, attaches baby dolls to her walker or tricycle so she can take them with her as she strengthens her muscles.

The fun ramps up when Bradford joins in. Earning the nickname “Sneaky” from Arlie, Bradford will try to sneak up on her while she’s walking or cycling. This always results in peals of laughter, but also something else: more effort from Arlie.

“I honestly see my daughter the happiest when she’s doing therapy with Corinne and being spooked by ‘Sneaky,’” Cooper said. “Their fun-loving spirit makes all the hard work seem like play time, and I really appreciate them. They love their job, and it shows!”

Every institution is rich with personal stories. We want to know ours.

Do you know a student, staff, volunteer or faculty member at the University of Mississippi Medical Center whose story would make an interesting feature or deserves to be recognized?

Know someone who you think more people should know about because of his or her commitment to his or her job and/or the people he or she works with or for? Who has a fascinating hobby? Who participates in a remarkable group? Who has accomplished something amazing?

We want to learn more about each individual who makes up our extraordinary UMMC Family, and we want to share what makes each person unique and special in the Front and Center section of our dynamic new UMMC Intranet.

To nominate someone to be considered for a Front and Center feature, just complete and submit this short form. If that person is picked for a feature, a member of the Communications and Marketing staff will contact him or her to learn more about his or her personal story.

Soon, the rest of the Medical Center will know why your nominee is an outstanding reminder of what makes this place so special – the Front and Center.