Trending
By ERIC AYRES
WHEELING -- Ohio Valley native Hugo Andreini III is part of the front line of area health care professionals with expertise in a growing field -- one that in the past has been somewhat overlooked until a patient is in need of treatment, yet today is regarded as a vital component of every patient's overall well-being.
Andreini, 32, is a doctor of physical therapy. His primary role is that of an inpatient and outpatient physical therapist at Good Shepherd Nursing Home.
"It's a very rewarding profession to help people in the Wheeling community with something we often take for granted -- movement," Andreini said. "There isn't a single thing we do that does not involve it."
Andreini has been a practicing physical therapist for four years, and has been at Good Shepherd for three years.
Each day on the job offers a different challenge, but Andreini said there is a typical daily routine with which he tries to stick.
"I start off catching up on notes and scheduling out when to see patients," he said. "My outpatients are usually more in the evening and keep me on my toes, because I often like to perform exercises with them for proper form and motivation. I then finish up with notes and then head over to Wheeling University to teach as an adjunct in their physical therapy program."
Andreini said his role as an adjunct professor at Wheeling University also helps keep himself on his toes, as does his routine focusing on his own fitness as part of his typical workday.
"Just like teaching my patients, I enjoy guiding students in their critical thinking process," Andreini said. "It keeps me sharp, too, with the newest practices. Lastly, I try to practice what I preach and do my own physical therapy at the gym to stay strong and mobile for the long haul."
Like Andreini's patients know, sometimes the going gets tough, but you have to push through in order to improve. Such is true in the profession as a physical therapist. There are many good mottos in life to follow, Andreini said.
"One I find myself pulling out when I feel overwhelmed is, 'When anything feels overwhelming, remember 'grit' is the key to success, and 'keep pushing'," he said.
Keeping a hard-working routine every day can help anyone push through tough challenges, better equipping them to face adversity when it comes -- as it does for everyone.
"I always try to be better every day," he said. "Even if it is just a little, it has a compounding interest in your future. If you are pushing the limits of your potential, you will experience failures, just like every other successful person has. The tougher the burden, the bigger the growth. Grit is key. If you're not happy, do something about it. If you are happy, do your best to make others happy. It will go further than you think."
That positive attitude is important when you are treating people who are already facing physically challenges, not to mention emotional challenges that often accompany them.
"When working with patients, you never truly know what they are going through, but one thing for certain is that their emotions and struggles are real," Andreini said. "That validation is extremely vital in being compassionate and effective with helping, well anyone really."
An area native, Andreini said he truly enjoys the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of people in the Ohio Valley, a place that boasts a myriad of assets making it a great place to call home.
"I was born and raised here," he said. "There is a lot often taken for granted. I know it sounds kind of funny, but when you break it down, how many cities have low pollution, a group of higher education schools, low concerns for natural disasters, low commute times and beautiful greenery? Staying close to family is also very important and means making more memories."
There are plenty of great features in the Wheeling area that make it a great place to live, Andreini noted.
"Pretty much everything at Oglebay and Wheeling Park is great," Andreini said. "Centre Market and the Heritage Port glow when they have events. The same goes for WesBanco Arena and the Capitol Theatre. I find more and more events appealing toward my generation's interests."
There will always be a need for his profession in the area, and Andreini said he looks forward to continuing to help people in the Ohio Valley through his work in any way he can.
"I see physical therapy growing in familiarity," he said. "I hope our profession grows to target people on a prevention basis. Many pathologies can be prevented if addressed early on. I see a hopeful future where prevention becomes the norm, not the exception."