Michael Ervin is a Social Worker/Continuity of Care Coordinator at Lakeland Regional Medical Center (LRMC). He has been employed at LRMC since May 10, 1999. Michael graduated Cum Laude with his Bachelors of Social Work from the University of South Florida in 1997. He is currently pursuing his Masters degree.

Michael first considered Social Work as a career choice as sophomore in high school. During a routine visit to the guidance counselor, when asked what he both enjoyed doing and was good at doing, Michael replied that he was good at giving his friends advice and that he enjoyed helping others. The guidance counselor suggested that Michael consider Social Work as a profession. Michael researched the field, and considered it a possibility, but chose to pursue a career in the Army following the completion of high school. Michael intended to be a “lifer” in the Army, but fate would have it otherwise. Michael suffered a major injury in 1989, entered a Vocational Rehabilitation program and began pursuing a degree in Social Work. Once school again became an option, and a new career choice a requirement, Michael knew right away that he wanted to be a Social Worker. As part of his education at the University of South Florida, Michael interned at LRMC. From this experience, Michael knew that LRMC was a great place to work. In 1999 a position became available at LRMC and Michael pursued it. He has been a member of the LRMC Social Work team since 1999 and knows that he is an important part of improving lives by delivering exceptional health care.

When not at work, Michael enjoys spending time with his family; he is married and has two children, a son and a daughter. Michael has a passion for Spanish and has been teaching himself the language using books and tapes for the last several years. Michael loves the Spanish language, loves speaking it and really enjoys opportunities to use it in his work. Michael also really enjoys playing chess, and is quite proud of the fact that his son made the chess club this year. He enjoys the thinking, strategizing and “competing with thoughts” aspects that chess provides. Michael is also a major movie buff. He has outfitted himself at home with surround sound, a hi-def tv and a comfy chair. According to Michael, the more action-packed the movie, the better!

Michael Ervin considers himself a simple guy. He’s the youngest of seven children and the first in his family to go to college. As a teenager he helped his family makes ends meet by working in the orange groves. He met his wife at the drive-in teller lane at the bank where she worked, and their quirky courtship ended up in an elopement. Michael decided to pursue his Masters degree in Social Work because he wants to be more involved in the care of his patients from a clinical perspective. At the end of the day, he just wants to do the best job he can and go home feeling good about what he’s done. He is appreciative of the opportunity to work at Lakeland Regional Medical Center, a place where he’ll tell you the people are great and always willing to help – something very important to a person with a disability. Michael is not such a simple guy after all.