In honor of National Occupational Therapy Month, we’ll be highlighting a new OT every week throughout April. Today’s spotlight is on Brian Comly, an OT in Magee’s Spinal Cord Injury Unit.
Brian Comly, MS, OTR/L
Tell us a little about your background.
I received my bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Scranton, and began working at Magee right out of school three and a half years ago.
Why did you decide to become an OT?
I was originally a business major at Scranton and had never even heard of OT. After a semester of spreadsheets and company projection projects, I decided to switch. I was always interested in the body and fascinated by science, so the decision towards OT, PT and nursing was natural. My mom was a big proponent of switching majors as well so she guided me and encouraged me to do a lot of research and shadowing of students in those fields. I felt that OT was the best fit for me and my daily experiences at Magee reinforce that.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is the progress I help facilitate in patients. Many of these patients are experiencing a life-changing event, and they trust you to improve their quality of life during their stay. To be able to work with them on their goals to become more independent and happier is absolutely the best part of my job.
Tell us about an experience that solidified for you that you made the right career choice.
I knew I had made the right choice to become an OT a couple of years ago when I worked with a man who had a terminal illness. He and his family had specific goals with deadlines, including improving efficiency in their lives so that they could spend as much time together as possible. My job was defined and each step towards his independence was visceral and fulfilling in the way he and his young family interacted and truly appreciated life.
What are some of your passions outside of OT?
Biking, running, triathlons, intramural sports, and going to Sea Isle City and Phillies games.
