Midlands Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery Director receives prestigious AAOE award

Midlands Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery announced that Ruschell Gladden, Director of Patient Access, is the recipient of the 2023 Practice Professional of the Year Award from the American Alliance of Orthopedic Executives (AAOE).

This award recognizes the commitment of an AAOE member who, as the lead staff person or executive, has consistently gone above and beyond at his or her practice. The award is granted based on the recipient’s ability to motivate others, stimulate positive activity, and serve as a catalyst for exceptional results.

Ruschell Gladden is the ideal recipient of this award. As a seasoned customer service professional with over 24 years of experience in customer care, she has spent the last 19 years of her career navigating the customer service and patient relations aspects of the healthcare industry.

Ms. Gladden currently serves as the Front Office Manager at Midlands Orthopedics & Neurosurgery of Columbia, SC. As leader of her department, Ruschell’s goal is to enrich the employee experience. This is achieved by her coaching leadership style, which is characterized by collaboration, support and guidance.
Midlands Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery CEO, Ron Chorzewski, said “this is a prestigious national accomplishment, especially for a third-year attendee of the AAOE conference. Ruschell is an amazing leader and exemplifies everything we stand for in our in our practice”.

Ruschell received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Services from the University of South Carolina, Beaufort. She also completed the AAOE State Leadership Academy in 2021. As a motivational speaker, Ruschell encourages others to “Be their best U!” and see the beauty in authenticity. Ruschell is passionate about serving her community; and volunteers to assist the homeless, seniors and youth in her community. She also supports women empowerment ministries. In her free time, she loves to spend time with family; thrift shopping, and zip-lining.