Marina Edwards: Executive Vice President and Medical Case Manager at Presque Isle Rehabilitation

Marina Edwards, the Executive Vice President and Medical Case Manager at Presque Isle Rehabilitation, brings a unique blend of medical expertise and a passion for helping others to the workers' compensation industry. With over 18 years of nursing experience, she has dedicated 11 of those years to Presque Isle Rehabilitation, where she manages her own caseload of claimants while leading the case management team. Her background in Emergency Medicine and Trauma has equipped her to excel in handling catastrophic claims and navigating the complex world of workers' compensation.

Marina's journey into the world of workers' compensation was somewhat serendipitous. She began her career as a nurse in the high-pressure environment of Emergency Medicine and Trauma, where every moment counted. It was during this time that she developed a keen sense of empathy and a desire to make a difference in people's lives during their most vulnerable moments.

By chance, she had the opportunity to join Presque Isle Rehabilitation for part-time per diem work in case management. This change of pace allowed her to see the other side of injuries, beyond the initial trauma. She could now follow the patient's journey through recovery and play a direct role in their rehabilitation and well-being. Marina's deep-rooted desire to help people led her to embrace the challenges and complexities of the workers' compensation industry.

She saw it as an opportunity to guide individuals through what can be a confusing and stressful process, providing them with the support they need at a critical juncture in their lives. As the Executive Vice President of Presque Isle Rehabilitation and the Team Leader for the case management contingent, she manages her own caseload of claimants while leading her team, demonstrating her commitment to hands-on involvement in patient care.

What Marina finds most fulfilling about her job is the power to facilitate communication between all parties involved in a claim. The ability to bring together the injured worker, the carrier, the insured, and other stakeholders leads to smoother claim handling and increased satisfaction for everyone.

She emphasizes the importance of trust and communication, stating, "During difficult life experiences, that extra touchpoint from a trusted professional really goes a long way in making injured workers feel cared for and closing the gaps between the carrier, insured, and injured party."

One of Marina's most cherished memories as a case manager was witnessing an amputee take his first steps with a prosthetic limb. Marina draws motivation from the knowledge that she is making other people's lives and jobs easier.

Outside of her demanding career, Marina finds solace in gardening, baking, reading, and traveling. She is an avid sports fan, particularly when it comes to ice hockey, football, and baseball, and she enjoys attending Philadelphia sporting events whenever possible. Marina's approach to maintaining work-life balance is rooted in organization and prioritization. She treats her responsibilities as daily chores, ensuring that her family's needs are met and that she makes the most of her professional time.

Marina Edwards' journey from emergency medicine to workers' compensation exemplifies her dedication to making a positive impact on people's lives. Her story is a testament to the power of compassion, communication, and continuous learning in the ever-evolving landscape of workers' compensation.