In honor of National Occupational Therapy Month, we’ll be highlighting a new OT every week throughout April. Today’s spotlight is on Alberto Vernacchio, an OT at Magee’s Riverfront Outpatient Center.
Alberto Vincenzo Vernacchio, MOTR/L, Senior Occupational Therapist
Tell us a little about your background, and why you chose to become an occupational therapist.
I graduated from the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, and have been an OT for 13 years—all spent at Magee, including my Level 1 and Level 2 affiliations at Magee. I became an occupational therapist because I wanted to help people and at the same time have a good career.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
There are many rewarding parts to my job. I believe that I work for one of the best rehabilitation facilities and enjoy my team. I take great pride that patients, who have been through terrible accidents and tragedy, come back and request me year after year, putting their trust in me. I also enjoy coming to work and have never felt like this was a job. I am very glad I am part of the DH and CIMT teams.
What are some of your passions outside of OT?
If I am not at work, I am always training (Muay Thai, weight lifting, boxing gyms), spending time with my family, hanging with my parents, KISSING my son, going out to restaurants and I am a huge mixed martial arts fanatic. I am also expecting another son in June so I will have even more fun!
