Patients of retiring Dr. Vincent Sacco had not one, but two chances to say so long to a man they say mixed good medicine with a sense of humor and a nice bedside manner.
Sacco is a 1989 graduate of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. He spent a couple of years moonlighting at practices while a resident, then another decade at an office at Holme Avenue and Welsh Road. Since 2000, he has been a solo practitioner, working in the Nazareth Hospital Physicians Office Building.
A couple hundred patients visited the office on Nov. 29-30 to wish Sacco well.
At age 65, he notes he’s had a 35-year career and is now a Medicare patient. He’s also seen changes in insurance and prescriptions that make it hard for a solo practice. And, since COVID, he’s found it hard to find good help when once he could hire the “pick of the litter.”
As he retires, he recalled an old saying about family practices that goes, “Ninety-nine percent of your patients are the reason you do what you do and you love it.”
Sacco has loved caring for people.
“It certainly was a privilege of my lifetime,” he said.
Sacco said he got along so well with patients because they have similar personalities.
“I cherish those relationships, and they will never be forgotten,” he said.
Office manager Barbara Smith was with him for 20 years. Medical assistant Anna Georgoudis has been on staff for eight years.
Sacco said they’ve been tireless and loyal.
“I love you both,” he told them.
His sendoff included cards, gifts, confetti blasts, a photo booth, refreshments and a performance by Mum’s the Word, a Mummers group. Helen Konstance, of Independence Blue Cross, presented him with a Top Quality Practice award for his office’s performance in diabetes care.
Patients will miss Sacco.
“Believe me, he was the best,” said Rita Wade. “You couldn’t find a better doctor.”
Kate Treude liked how Sacco would be hands on, even calling himself with blood work results.
“You felt like you were going to a friend,” Treude said. “And the girls were great, too. It’s the end of an era.”
Sacco, who has an adult daughter and son, said he plans to spend his free time traveling. He’s a big fan of Alabama football (son Vincent’s alma mater), and he might plan a trip to the Crimson Tide’s upcoming bowl game. He also might find a role at Newtown Athletic Club and La Salle High School (son Vincent’s alma mater).
And he’ll continue to dine regularly at Cafe Carmela, with its Drunken’ Rigatoni as his favorite dish on the menu. ••
