Daniel Almy: Falmouth Hospital Rock Star

Meet the hard-working operating room assistant who graduated from the Project SEARCH program a year ago and is thriving in his full-time role. In his spare time, Daniel finds joy playing the guitar, trumpet and piano, and is currently training for the Falmouth Road Race and Cape Cod Half Marathon.

“Daniel is kind to the patients, he’s kind to the doctors, he greets everybody, ‘Good morning,’” says Paul Dimond, MD.

“Let’s give it up for Daniel!” Paul Dimond, MD, shouts to his staff at Falmouth Orthopedic Center. 

Enthusiastic claps and cheers erupt in the hallway. 

All the accolades were for Daniel Almy, who works with Dr. Dimond, Sean Rumrill, MD, and Donald O’Malley, MD, as an operating room assistant at Falmouth Hospital. 

“I think Daniel is an incredible human being,” says Dr. Dimond. “He’s one of the hardest-working young men at Falmouth Hospital’s OR. He does it all—cleans the rooms, sets up the bed, makes sure I am moving along. He never complains.”

Daniel, a former Riverview School student, started working at Falmouth Hospital through the Project SEARCH internship program from 2022–2023 in housekeeping and in the OR, a place where he immediately clicked with everyone. After his internship ended, he applied for the operating room assistant job and stepped into the full-time role nearly a year ago on July 10, 2023. 

“During his internship, he was such a happy, bright young man,” says James Hubbard, Director of Perioperative & Procedural Services, his supervisor and mentor. “He’s a quick learner and this role was a natural for him.” 

Daniel’s daily routine includes riding one mile to work every day on his Trek mountain bike, even in the snow and rain. He clocks in at 8:53 a.m., changes into his scrubs and begins his 9 a.m. shift. He cleans patient rooms, turns over the beds, prepares for the next day’s surgeries, and interacts with doctors to make sure they have everything they need.  

“He’s a quick learner and this role was a natural for him,” says James Hubbard, Director of Perioperative & Procedural Services, Daniel’s supervisor and mentor.

Dr. Dimond explains he has a special affinity for Riverview students since his daughter worked there for several years. The students who work at the hospital are near and dear to his heart.  

“Daniel is kind to the patients, he’s kind to the doctors, he greets everybody, ‘Good morning,’” says Dr. Dimond. “He checks in with me during the day and asks—'Hey, how are you doing? Are you still playing the guitar? Have you been running? How’s your daughter?’” 

As a former Project SEARCH Intern, Daniel offers this advice to the current group of interns: “Just try your best, don’t be afraid to ask questions. That’s how you learn.” 

Daniel is a man of many talents. He plays trumpet, guitar and the piano in his spare time. He recently performed on the guitar at the Cotuit Center for the Arts. “I love playing music because it brightens up my day,” says Daniel, “and it’s a joy to see people smile when I perform.” 

He also loves to run and is currently training for the Falmouth Road Race in August and the Cape Cod Half Marathon in October. “I enjoy running and working because it challenges me each day to be the best version of myself.” 

He credits Riverview and his internship for his success. “If it wasn’t for Riverview, I wouldn’t be the man I am today,” says Daniel, adding he is grateful for his family, friends and operating room staff for all their support over the years.

Daniel says he approaches each day by taking a page from Steve Jobs’ playbook: “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.”