One sees herself as Mrs. Fix-it… Another says listening is a huge part of his job…
Insights from VNSNY’s Seven Rehab Therapists of the Year!
Several weeks ago, as part of National Rehabilitation Awareness Week, VNSNY announced its 2019 Rehabilitation Therapists of the Year. These outstanding therapists exemplify the tremendous work done every day by all of VNSNY’s physical, occupational and speech therapists and therapy assistants. Frontline spoke to this year’s honorees about what their job involves and why they love what they do.
“I’m particularly fond of working with the elderly.”
Adel Hassan, Physical Therapist, Queens Branch 3
“I love getting into the community and helping people in their homes, and being able to increase my patients’ potential and restore their abilities,” explains Adel. “I treat all age groups, but I’m particularly fond of working with the elderly. I respect them so much, and I think they need special attention and special care. I credit my mom and dad for my passion for geriatric care—–I grew up with a lot of love.”
A veteran therapist with more than 25 years at VNSNY Home Care, Adel is “compassionate, and knowledgeable,” wrote one of his former patients, who praised Adel for the treatment he provided following knee surgery. “He demonstrated attention to detail, excellent assessment skills, and tailored his care to my specific needs. He always took the time to listen and provided much needed support and encouragement. He collaborated with my physician and provided appropriate and needed intervention, preventing serious complications. Overall, he provided me with the most positive home care experience.”
“I’m like a Mrs. Fix-it.”
Sherry Adjapong-Obeng, Senior Physical Therapist, Bronx Branch 2
“I almost want to say I’m VNSNY’s equivalent of Olivia Pope from Scandal,” says Sherry, who has been with VNSNY for seven years. “I’m like a Mrs. Fix-it. Whether it’s seeing a patient at the last minute, or handling an issue with a challenging family or a clash of personalities, or assisting when someone isn’t comfortable working with a newborn, I’m often the person who offers to step in. And 99 percent of the time, I’m able to help.”
“Sherry is the go-to therapist at any time or any day,” noted a colleague in a letter nominating Sherry for Therapist of the Year. “Patients hold a dear place in her heart, and she is sought after by patients who return for care. She is always willing to help her peers, and will answer her phone at any time of the day. She is an amazing gift to our organization.”
“I always learn something new from my patients.”
Dennis Fung, Coordinator of Physical Therapy Services, Brooklyn Branch 3
“Every day, I get to treat people in their houses, and every visit is different—from culture to socioeconomic status,” says Dennis, who has worked at VNSNY since 2012. “You never know where the day will take you or what to expect, which is great because it keeps me on my toes. I always learn something new from my patients, which helps me every bit as much as it helps them. It’s pretty nice to have people confide in you, and I gain insights and recognize trends that I can then use to treat other patients. All that knowledge has helped me feel really confident in my recommendations.”
Dennis “is well respected by his peers,” noted his nominating letter. “Patients ask for him… and often express high satisfaction for his care and professionalism. He is flexible, and goes over and beyond to help the team with challenges!”
“I teach my patients things that will make their lives better.”
Christopher Lee, Physical Therapist, Nassau Branch 1
“The thing I like most about the home care setting is that I’m able to sit down and talk with my patients for 45 minutes at a time, and teach them things that will make their lives better,” notes Christopher. “It gives me time to communicate with them, which lets them get something truly productive out of the session. When a patient is back in their own environment, they take a real interest in learning the important ways their daily lives can improve—from fall prevention to getting out of bed or into the tub.”
A therapist with VNSNY for the past eight years, Christopher “demonstrates excellent practice with all our patients,” says his nominating letter. “Going above and beyond to achieve the best outcomes, he adjusts exercise programs to match the patient’s needs, makes time accommodations for his patients, and respects their individual cultural and religious beliefs and physical challenges. Patients say he is kind and considerate, that he is gentle, always smiles and has a wonderful personality.” In addition, the letter states, Christopher “always communicates with the team to ensure the patient’s needs are being met, and is willing to rearrange his schedule to accommodate a time slot another team member needs.”
“Each and every one of my patients is a VIP to me.”
Ruth Publik, Coordinator of Physical Therapy Services, Manhattan Branch 1
“One of the best parts of working out in the field is being able to give patients my full attention, and getting to know them personally—as people, not just as patients,” says Ruth. “Being in their homes, learning about their accomplishments and their lives, can be an amazing experience. Each and every one of them is a VIP to me. Sometimes, when the schedule gets really crazy, the job can seem overwhelming, but I never let it get to me. So what if I’m tired? The patient needs to be seen, and I’ll get to relax later. It’s no big deal, and I’m happy to help.”
A therapist at VNSNY since 1993, Ruth “is an exceptional therapist,” notes the colleague who nominated her. “She is a team player, always willing to assist her teammates with additional assignments. I can always call on her to help me at the end of the day to satisfy customer needs. She is always well respected by her patients as well. It’s been my pleasure to have her on my branch. She is a wonderful, professional and excellent therapist.”
“Listening is a huge part of the job.”
Daniel Lynch, Occupational Therapist, Westchester Branch 1
“I’ve always thought of myself as being somewhat creative,” says Daniel, who has been a VNSNY therapist for ten years. “I consider a lot of my job as an OT to be just good problem-solving. It’s about thinking outside of the box, and working with my patients to get them to safely and effectively manage things they weren’t able to do before. Listening is a huge part of the job. You can have two people with the exact same diagnosis, but their goals and priorities may be completely different. I approach my patients not in terms of what I think they should do, but in terms of what they find relevant, and then I tailor my treatment approach accordingly.”
“I have worked with Dan for over two years and find him to be the consummate professional,” writes a colleague. “He has excellent work habits—dependable, responsible and focused. He is extremely friendly, has a welcoming and vibrant personality, and is willing to be flexible when it comes to scheduling and planning. All of these attributes make Dan the outstanding occupational therapist he is. He always places his patients first and works to enhance their independence and achieve goals. Dan takes the time to build a trusting and therapeutic relationship with his patients and to listen and acknowledge their concerns. He is also a strong collaborator and is always willing to help his colleagues.”
“My job is to help each person become as safe and as functionally independent as possible.”
Thomas Murphy, Occupational Therapist, Staten Island Branch 1
“You never know what to expect when you go to someone’s house, which means that flexibility is key,” says Thomas. “People are different, their homes are different, and their lifestyles are different. So I cater the therapy I provide to each individual. My focus tends to be less on their diagnosis per se than on a patient’s strengths, weaknesses, and needs. My job is to help each person become as safe and as functionally independent as possible.”
Thomas, who celebrated his 20th anniversary with VNSNY earlier this year, “exemplifies excellence in his skill,” noted his nominating letter. “His customer care is exceptional. He has worked diligently in managing his large caseload, and is very respectful towards his peers. He works as a team player and it is a pleasure to work with him. I highly recommend him for Therapist of the Year!”
To hear insights from more VNSNY rehab therapists as part of Rehab Week, click here.
