Van Matre Encompass Health Rehabilitation Institute honors Jake Smith as OEAA region recipient

Van Matre Encompass Health Rehabilitation Institute is proud to recognize Jake Smith, quality and risk coordinator, as the Central region recipient of Encompass Health’s 2025 Outstanding Employee Achievement Award (OEAA). The OEAA program honors exceptional employees across Encompass Health’s eight operating regions who exemplify compassion, leadership and a deep commitment to patient-centered care.

Since joining the Van Matre team in 2023, Smith has exceeded expectations from day one. As quality and risk coordinator and co-champion of the hospital’s Joint Commission Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) program, he helped increase SCI patient satisfaction by more than three points and supported a flawless recertification in May 2025. Smith also serves as the point person for patient outcomes and touchpoints throughout their stay, contributing to a rise in overall patient satisfaction.

Coworkers often highlight Smith’s ability to listen, de-escalate difficult situations and support patients and families with genuine compassion. Last spring, he received the inaugural Safety Star during National Patient Safety Awareness Week after staff identified him as someone who consistently goes above and beyond.

Smith continues to support the director of quality and risk, the quality department and the entire hospital community with reliability, professionalism and heart. He accepted his award during a celebratory gala on May 6 at the Country Club of Birmingham in Birmingham, Alabama — home to Encompass Health’s Home Office — with attendees including the Company’s board of directors, executive and regional leaders, region recipients and their guests.