Celebrating Excellence: Patricia Vieira Is VNS Health’s 2024 Physical Therapist of the Year!
Physical therapist Patricia “Patty” Vieira has been a dedicated member of the VNS Health PT team for an impressive 21 years, providing exceptional care to patients across Long Island. And now, in recognition of her outstanding work, Patty has been named our organization’s 2024 Physical Therapist of the Year!
Patty’s enthusiasm and energy are evident to anyone who meets her. “She is simply the best physical therapist. I would want her to be mine if I ever needed one!” wrote VNS Health occupational therapist Jennifer McCaffrey in her letter nominating Patty for the award. “She always goes above and beyond, which makes her patients smile. Most of all, she is a team player, and always coordinates care with all team members, patients, and caregivers.”
Patty got her first glimpse of her future career path in high school, when she volunteered at a PT clinic. After graduating from SUNY Buffalo in 1992, she worked as a therapist at Winthrop Hospital (now NYU Langone Hospital—Long Island) and Saint Charles Rehab Network at Abilities, specializing in neurology rehabilitation, before joining VNS Health in 2003 as a per diem PT.
With two small children at the time, Patty was first drawn to home health care because of the flexibility her per diem status allowed. As she continued and shifted to working full-time, however, she also found she loved providing therapy in a home setting.
“Doing one-on-one treatment sessions with a patient is an absolute gift,” says Patty. “It allows me to fully focus on that one person’s needs. I get so much satisfaction from helping others. Whether I’m getting them back to their normal lives or assisting them and their families at the end of life, it is so rewarding.”
Patty’s ability to connect deeply with those in her care could be seen in the warm, trusting relationship she formed with one patient who she worked with for two years, helping to delay the progression of a debilitating genetic disease. As the patient gradually lost the ability to walk, Patty continued to work with her once a week, taking her through exercises to maintain strength and promote blood flow in her arms and legs—and, just as important, keeping her spirits up.
“I definitely try to make every treatment session fun. I’m always laughing and joking,” Patty notes. “I appreciate that I’m entering into a patient’s home, and I try to be a bright light. Often, they are at their lowest, and I am a firm believer that laughter is the best medicine. I’m very grateful that I’ve been in the same territory for these 21 years, allowing me to have long-term relationships with patients. It’s always humbling when they request for me to come back.”
Congratulations, Patty—VNS Health is proud to celebrate you and your extraordinary contributions!
