Melissa Fagundo
What are your vitals?
Melissa Fagundo
Physical Therapist
Rehab Services
What do you think ultimately made you choose BIDMC?
I was still in college when I began to work at BIDMC as a Research Assistant for a lung cancer research study. I took many research-oriented classes in school and thought it would be interesting to be in the field in a hospital environment while I was completing my degree in Physical Therapy. When I completed my Master's, my supervisor and I began discussing openings in the Rehab Services department and assisted me in interviewing for a position. I enjoyed working in the research department and felt that BIDMC would be a great organization to continue working for. I wanted to work in an acute care setting and this was the only facility I decided to interview with.
Of the reasons you chose your profession, which are accentuated by working at BIDMC?
I chose to work as a Physical Therapist because I wanted to help people and I feel that I do that every day at BIDMC. I feel that we can provide quality patient care and I feel good after each patient I see because I feel like I help them. I really enjoy the fast-paced acute care setting because I can see such a rapid progression and improvement with my patients.
What do you find most rewarding about your work that is unique to BIDMC?
I find most rewarding that I have a great team to work with and a wide range of complex patients. Working at a level 1 trauma center is very exciting and rewarding, and I have enjoyed 6 month rotations on different services to see a wide variety of patient populations.
Generally speaking, can you describe your ideal workday?
My ideal day of work is one that I feel like I can provide quality patient care and not feel rushed. The team is very supportive and we assist each other as needed if one member has a caseload that is out of reach for the day. It is great to work in an environment in which we don't have to skimp on patient care.
