In this episode of The FOX Five, we welcome back occupational therapist Chris Acquafredda, OTD, OTR/L, who shares his top reasons why seasoned clinicians should consider joining FOX Rehabilitation. While much attention is often given to new grads entering the field, Chris shifts the spotlight to experienced clinicians looking for a fresh, supportive, and flexible work environment. From having a dedicated sponsor and a gradual ramp-up period, to enjoying autonomy in scheduling and receiving early documentation support, Chris outlines how FOX makes the transition smooth—even for those well into their careers. He also emphasizes the lasting connections and professional friendships formed within the practice, proving that support doesn't end after onboarding. Whether you're thinking of making a career move or simply curious about what sets FOX apart, this episode is full of firsthand insight and practical takeaways. Tune in and discover how FOX Rehabilitation supports clinicians at every stage of their journey.

Jim: Welcome to The FOX Five, the show that explores FOX Rehabilitation through an original list created by a FOX colleague. That FOX colleague today is a FOX Rehabilitation occupational therapist. Please welcome back to the FOX Five, Chris Acquafredda.

Chris: Thank you, thank you.

Jim: You're not too far from me, right? You're in Jersey City, and I'm in Manhattan, right across the river. Who's your RD?

Chris: Matt Bauer is my RD.

Jim: Oh yeah. Matt used to treat in Manhattan.

Chris: So did I.

Jim: You both left us! So Chris, what is your FOX Five this time around?

Chris: My FOX Five today is Five Reasons a Seasoned Clinician Should Join FOX.

Jim: I love this topic because we had an episode of The FOX Five where we talked about why a new grad should start with FOX Rehabilitation. Then you emailed me and said, "Jim, what about a seasoned clinician?" And I said, "Perfect." So, what is Number One on your FOX Five?

Chris: Number One is: just like a new grad, you also have a clinician in your region—typically in your discipline—who helps you during your first several months working for FOX.

Jim: Yeah, so for seasoned clinicians, FOX Rehabilitation will provide a sponsor. And for new clinicians, FOX Rehabilitation will provide a mentor. There is always support, whether you're a clinician just starting out or a seasoned clinician like yourself. Chris, what is Number Two on your FOX Five?

Chris: My Number Two is having a ramp-up period. Even as a seasoned clinician, there’s a lot to learn. So having a ramp-up period that allows you to slowly but surely build up your caseload was extremely helpful.

Jim: Is that communicated with you? Like, "We’re going to ease you into things. We’re not going to overwhelm you. We’re not going to chuck you into the deep end right away?"

Chris: Yeah, absolutely. It’s a program set out for everybody. From Day One of your interview, they tell you, "Hey, this is how it works. We’re going to ramp you up. We’re not just chucking you into the deep end."

Jim: Alright, that brings us to Number Three on your FOX Five.

Chris: Number Three is the autonomy to make my own schedule, but I also had continued support from my RD and sponsor. As a seasoned clinician, I was able to come in and create my own schedule, which was really helpful because I was just moving to a new state, a new city—all of that. So being able to still make my own schedule and not rely on somebody else—but still have that support—was super helpful.

Jim: That's a good one, because a lot of people love working with FOX because of that flexible schedule. You can frontload at the top of the week or backload at the end of the week. And that brings us to Number Four on your FOX Five.

Chris: Number Four is having documentation review early. Documentation, as we know, in this day and age is super important. I wanted to make sure that I was doing it right and making sure that it’s not going to hit me at the end. So having something early and often was very helpful for me in the long run as I continued to build up my caseload.

Jim: That's another good one. I always speak with new clinicians—both those coming out of school and seasoned clinicians—and I know for seasoned clinicians, the Number One question is always, "Well, what about documentation?" I love that FOX Rehabilitation is on top of it, and we are taking care of that from the get-go.

Chris: Absolutely.

Jim: And that brings us to Number Five on your FOX Five.

Chris: Number Five is continued support, and ultimately having a friend and colleague with your sponsor. Just because the ramp-up period is done doesn’t mean they just drop off the face of the earth. I still reach out to my sponsor to this day if I have specific questions. I’ve been a sponsor, and I am always happy to talk to my colleagues about questions that they have. It’s really nice because it gives you that support system, and everybody here is just so willing to help. It really makes you feel at ease, even after the initial transition.

Jim: Did you always feel comfortable asking questions?

Chris: Oh yeah, of course! From Day One, that’s kind of the first thing I communicate to people who I sponsor, and it was the first thing communicated to me: there aren’t any stupid questions.
You’re learning something completely new. We’re a very unique practice, so being able to ask questions is important to promote the success of you and of FOX as a practice.

Jim: Before you go, I have to ask—when you were treating in Manhattan, did you live in Manhattan?

Chris: I didn’t. That’s why I’m now treating in Jersey City. I lived in Jersey City and I was treating in the Upper East Side. So it was a long way—up to 125th Street. That’s why I made the switch.

Jim: I’m in Manhattan on the West Side, and East Manhattan is like another world to me. Alright, continued success in Jersey City!

Chris: Thank you!