Frank SanFilippo – Lead Patient Transporter

Name: Frank SanFilippo

Job Title: Lead Patient Transporter

Entity: Winchester Hospital

What is your role, and what inspired you to join BILH?

I work as a Lead Patient Transporter within the Volunteer Services/Patient Transport department. I started working in patient transport, in 2009, following a layoff in at the company I had been working for 32 years, as an IT professional. I decided at the age of 55, at a turning point in my career, that I would volunteer while deciding what my next step would be. My wife was highly instrumental in encouraging me to do this as I had been considering entering the medical field. Well, in a very short span of time I realized that I truly enjoyed being a volunteer, running errands and helping patients as a sort of hospital ambassador. Two years later, in 2011, I applied and was hired as a patient transport, within the same department. This job has been not only rewarding in so many ways, but it has enabled me to meet a lot of wonderful, caring people.

What do you enjoy most about your work or your team?

I enjoy so many aspects of my position. For starters, I enjoy the help and support I provide with the patients we serve at Winchester. Even though my position is not medical, I feel that I am helping in my own small way. This help is manifested in meeting so many wonderful people and staff; simply engaging patients in light conversation when the situation warrants; and simply listening. One can learn a lot from people in the 15 or so minutes we spend with them. And most importantly I feel, smiling. Smiling can be the best form of non-verbal communication, and can really lift one’s mood, as well as the mood of everyone we come into contact with.

Another aspect of my job that I also thoroughly enjoy is training and mentoring new transporters; young people who are contemplating a medical profession. While the job of patient transporter is an entry level position, it provides an excellent foundation for those considering entering the field. I have trained many young women and men over the many years I have been doing this job who have gone on to become nurses, techs, and even physician assistants, and at least one who later became a doctor. Some have even returned to tell me that the job of transporter had given them valuable experience. That is so inspir4in

Can you share a moment at BILH that made you especially proud or reminded you why you do what you do?

I had never felt so satisfied, proud and appreciated as when I received the PEER award, in April 2013; the Physicians Appreciation Award, in November 2015; and finally, the Nursing Appreciation Award, in May of 2022. While I was appreciated in my previous line of work, the personal satisfaction, pride, and level of appreciation I have received during my 14 years at Winchester Hospital has been much deeper and satisfying.