April 2009

Amy Purdy

“The past is history, the future is a mystery, but today is a gift—that’s why they call it the present.”

My whole life, I have always considered myself a caring person.  The decision to become a social worker was an easy one for me.  Originally from Long Island, N.Y., I attended the University of Albany for my undergraduate degree.  I later graduated from Adelphi University, where I received a master’s in social work.  Throughout my education, I had numerous internships that helped me realize that social work was the right fit for me.

I have been a social worker at Saint Vincent’s CF Center in New York City for more than 10 years.  There are more than 170 cystic fibrosis patients where I work full-time for the center. This has allowed me to form many great relationships with my patients, to the point where I know what their favorite flavor of bubble gum is.  I have the opportunity to work on various issues, including medical insurance, medication compliance, educating families on CF, transplant issues, and just being there for the patients.

Having CF definitely complicates aspects of a person’s life, and that takes a toll on patients in many different ways.  I try my best to make my patients feel better, whether they are adolescents to whom I am teaching the importance of being compliant, or dealing with parents, who are feeling guilty or overwhelmed.  It is my job to take the daily stress off of patients by becoming like a personal assistant. 

Favorite Holiday: Easter
Favorite Food: Pickles
Favorite Pastime: Tennis
Nickname: Aimes
One Word that Describes You: Cheerful
Favorite Movie: Hunt for Red October
Role Model: My sister
Favorite Music: Elton John