I have extensive experience in scheduling within rehabilitation settings, having worked as a Rehab Scheduler for the past three years. I am proficient in managing patient calendars, coordinating with therapists and medical staff, and ensuring that all sessions are efficiently scheduled. My role involves balancing the needs of patients with the availability of resources, which I achieve through meticulous planning and strong communication skills.

Handling last-minute changes or cancellations requires a flexible and proactive approach. I maintain a comprehensive backup list of patients who can fill in gaps quickly. Additionally, I use scheduling software that allows for real-time updates, ensuring minimal disruption to the overall schedule. Effective communication with the team and patients is key to managing such situations smoothly.

To ensure equitable distribution, I prioritize based on clinical urgency and patient needs. I maintain a detailed log of each patient's progress and requirements, which helps in making informed scheduling decisions. Regularly reviewing and adjusting the schedule ensures that no patient is disadvantaged, and all receive the necessary attention and resources in a timely manner.

Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams is crucial. I regularly communicate with therapists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to understand their availability and workload. This helps in creating a schedule that aligns with their capabilities and ensures optimal patient care. I also facilitate regular meetings to discuss scheduling challenges and opportunities for improvement.

One challenging scenario involved a sudden increase in patient admissions during a flu season. To manage this, I quickly reassessed the schedule, reallocated resources, and extended working hours for some staff. I also implemented a priority-based scheduling system to ensure critical cases were attended to promptly. This approach ensured that all patients received timely care without compromising the quality of service.