In July of 2020, Frank Koulianos was involved in a motor vehicle collision with an 18-wheeler semi-truck on I-275. He survived the accident, but was left with several injuries to his head, neck and back and had to undergo several procedures to correct the injuries. For Frank, a development officer in the USF Health Office of Development and Alumni Relations, the symptoms he experienced from his concussion were the most debilitating.
“My vision, speech, balance, memory recall, ability to concentrate and even mental health were all affected by my concussion,” Frank said.
Due to the physical limitations, Frank had to stop working as a paramedic and was worried his concussion symptoms would prevent him from being able to learn a new skill or find a new career. He was already struggling with being fully present for his children and found it difficult to perform his duties as a single parent.
“The thought of not being able to provide for them was the scariest thing I have ever felt, and these fears intensified the depression and anxiety I was experiencing,” Frank said.
Frank was referred to the USF Health Concussion Center, where Byron Moran, MD, associate professor in the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine and medical director for the USF Health Concussion Center, and his staff performed a thorough assessment and prescribed a variety of treatments and therapies that quickly began to alleviate many of Frank’s symptoms.
“While I occasionally experience some minor lingering symptoms to this day, the care plan that Dr. Moran established dramatically reduced the cognitive impairment I was experiencing, which allowed me to focus on developing a new skill set so I could pivot to finding a new career while continuing to heal,” Frank said.
In February of this year, Frank started working for the USF Health Development and Alumni Relations team.
“In my new role, I learned about the Grateful Patient Program, which allows the patients of USF Health physicians to demonstrate their gratitude in a meaningful way. By expressing their gratitude through monetary gifts, patients are able to take part in advancing the research and care their physicians and care staff provide. I was truly moved by the stories of how other grateful patients expressed their gratitude by giving back and I was in awe of the impact their generosity had on USF Health’s ability to further their mission of Making Life Better. After learning about this program and hearing the stories of fellow grateful patients, I was inspired to express my gratitude for the care I received from Dr. Moran. I also hope that by sharing my story, other grateful patients will be inspired to express their gratitude in whatever way they are able,” Frank said.
On May 6, 2022, Frank was presented with a Culture Coin by Mark G. Moseley, MD, MHA, FACEP, associate vice president for clinical affairs at USF Health and president of the USF Tampa General Physicians, for his drive to help build a stronger reputation for the Concussion Center and USF Health Neurosciences as part of his new role at USF Health, and for sharing his own story as a grateful patient.
“To Dr. Moran and everybody at the USF Health Concussion Center, thank you for making life better for my children and me with the care you provided,” Frank said.
Story and photos by Ryan Rossy, USF Health Communications and Marketing