10 Questions with Derek Vieira
The senior construction project manager for Cape Cod Healthcare says although he’s not involved on the clinical side, he is proud to oversee renovation projects and newly constructed buildings that help improve patient care.
Changing jobs is like jumping rope, says Derek Vieira. If you jump at the wrong time, you’re likely to get all tangled up.
Fortunately for Derek, he jumped at the right time.
After working for Southcoast Hospital Group for 15 years, Derek stepped into the role of senior construction project manager for Cape Cod Healthcare a year ago in September. “It was the perfect time to move forward,” says Derek. “I have a lot more opportunity for professional growth, which keeps me engaged.”
In his role, Derek juggles multiple projects and works closely with his department leadership. At his office on Main Street in Hyannis, immaculate handwritten words on a large whiteboard detail timelines and to-do lists for projects across CCHC. “By Day 3 on the job,” says Derek, “I was working on 17 projects.”
At the top of the list is the new Edwin Barbey Patient Care Pavilion. His involvement includes regular meetings with departments, directors and managers to help them understand how the teams will be working in the space and “making sure we are purchasing the correct medical equipment—and the right quantities.” He’s working closely with the doctors, nursing, and department leads to help plan and coordinate the operations for cancer treatment and the procedure spaces.
“The hospital staff knows what they want; my job is to help them get it,” he says, adding that he meets with vendors, manufacturers and contractors. Derek closely watches line items, keeps the budget on track and makes sure construction meets codes and regulations. Other projects he’s worked on include renovating the loading docks at Cape Cod Hospital, renovating two cath labs and overseeing air-handler (essentially giant AC units) renovations on the roofs at Falmouth Hospital and Cape Cod Hospital.
Born and raised in New Bedford, Derek still lives in the Whaling City with his wife and two teenage children, ages 15 and 19. He describes his daily one-hour commute from New Bedford to Hyannis as “forced meditation” and says he’s learned to love the long drive because it helps him to catch up on audio books and podcasts. Along the way, he has also learned to love jazz. We recently caught up with Derek at his office near Cape Cod Hospital where we discussed his very first job, his favorite mantra and his summer bucket list item.
Meet Derek
1. How did you get into this field?
I think I’m just lucky. I went to a vocational high school for architectural drafting. I’ve been doing this since I was 14 years old. I graduated from Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston with a structural engineering degree. I worked for an architect for 10 years, built buildings for three years, then worked at Southcoast. I’m doing exactly what I want.
2. What was your very first job and what was your big takeaway?
Working at McDonald’s, flipping burgers and making French fries, when I was 16 in New Bedford. I was raised by a single mom, grew up very poor, and I was thrilled to be making a regular paycheck. After a month or so, they had me opening and closing the restaurant. I asked, “Am I supposed to be working these many hours as a 16-year-old?” (he laughs). I learned that you didn’t always have to love your job to make money. Sometimes you just have to do what you got to do to make money. You can be surprised by what you can endure.
3. Favorite phrase or mantra that you live by?
Nothing good or bad lasts forever. I say that a lot. When things are flying, I need to come back to earth. When things are really bad, it will pass. For the good or bad, just stay even.
4. Did you take any family trips this year?
Earlier this month, my wife and I took our kids to Niagara Falls (the Canadian side). It was our first road trip together in a long time. It’s about eight hours each way.
5. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Golfing and freshwater fishing. I’ll get up early to catch large-mouth bass.
6. Summer bucket list item?
I would love to go to Provincetown.
7. If you didn’t live in New Bedford, where would you want to live?
Anywhere near the ocean. I just want to be near the water; otherwise, I wouldn’t be happy.
8. Iced or hot coffee?
I love hot coffee. With hazelnut cream. I should have an IV drip of coffee. I love it so much.
9. Last time that you danced?
Way too long ago. I will have an opportunity at my brother’s wedding coming up in October.
10. Best part about your job?
I can walk away and say, “I’ve had a hand in that.” That is where I get to smile a bit. Even though I’m not involved on the clinical side, I feel part of patient care.
