Carmen Cooper-Oguz: UMMC Alumnus of the Year

You’ve probably heard us say this a lot- the people in our North Sunflower family are amazing. They truly care about our Ruleville community and work every day to provide the best care possible.

Carmen Cooper-Oguz is a remarkable example of that commitment. She serves as our Vice President of Service Line Development and Director of Rehabilitation here at North Sunflower Medical Center. Since joining us in 2004, Carmen has always been a bright spot for so many patients who come to NSMC for physical therapy. They have come to see her as not just a service provider but a caring friend and trusted listener.

Last week, the University of Mississippi School of Health Related Professions named Carmen “Alumnus of the Year”. “Thousands of graduates have walked across the UMMC stage. And, they have gone on to do incredible things in healthcare. But, the Alumni Board of my peers selected me for this award, and I am profoundly honored,” Carmen said.

A Tireless Advocate

In addition to her day job running our patient rehabilitation center, Carmen has been a tireless advocate for rural health care policies in Jackson and Washington thru her work with the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and the Mississippi Physical Therapy Association (MPTA), lobbying decision-makers to prioritize and protect rural healthcare providers.

“Advocacy for access to healthcare services, particularly for those in rural areas, is my passion. I love what I do. It is an honor to be recognized so prominently by my alma mater for this work”.

This is not the first time Carmen has had her talents recognized far beyond Ruleville. She also was named the 2018 Lucy Blair Service Award from the APTA, 2017 Outstanding Physical Therapy Award from the MPTA, and the 2016 Lynn Phillippi Advocacy for Older Adults Award from the Geriatrics Section of the APTA, among others.

Carmen is just one of many stars we are lucky to have as part of our tight-knit North Sunflower family. We are grateful for the work she does every day to make your patients feel welcomed and valued. We are proud of everyone who has made the choice to be part of our amazing team who make our patients feel like family. Carmen is just one of over 500 NSMC team members who make people throughout the Delta say, “Take me to Ruleville.”