Sure, he made the national news for saving a life at an Eagles game while wearing an elaborate Mummer’s Day costume, but did you know he’s also his residency’s social chair and has all the best local recommendations for ACEP23 attendees? Read on! If you’re a foodie heading to Philly this fall, don’t miss these restaurant recommendations from local members. Save $50 on ACEP23 registration with promo code ACEPNOW50.

Vincent Basile, DO, an emergency medicine resident at Einstein Medical Center in north Philadelphia, was focused on cheering for his hometown Eagles on January 1, 2023, when he realized a fellow fan was experiencing a medical crisis. Fresh off marching in Philly’s annual New Year’s Day Mummers Parade and still wearing his shiny pink and blue costume with rainbow paint on his face, Dr. Basile had to quickly convince the security team surrounding the fallen fan that he was, indeed, an emergency physician. 

The patient had lost consciousness as he was walking back to his seat and rolled head-over-heels down the concrete stairs, tangling himself in the guardrail and occluding his airway. Dr. Basile and a nurse worked together to reposition him on his back on the landing between the stairs, and they couldn’t feel a pulse. 

Deciding to err on the side of caution, they began CPR, alternating in two-minute intervals. The growing crowd of onlookers exhaled in relief as the color began to return to the man’s face, and eventually he regained consciousness. Shortly after, the EMS team arrived and transported the patient for further care. Dr. Basile found out later that the patient was on blood thinners and suffered a brain bleed. 

“The whole thing was probably 10 minutes, but it felt like an eternity,” Dr. Basile remembered. 

He was in autopilot mode at the time, Dr. Basile said, and his training kicked in. He didn’t think about his wild costume, and he definitely didn’t realize he was wearing his costume’s sunglasses the whole time. It wasn’t until the crisis was over and paramedics had taken the patient for additional care that the “the ridiculousness of it set in.”

The contrast of his silly costume and the serious situation made for a great news story, though, and Dr. Basile’s story was featured by several local outlets and even People Magazine.

Since we’re heading to his hometown for ACEP23 in October, we asked Dr, Basile, the social chair of his residency, to share his go-to places in the city. 

What is the Mummers Day Parade?

It’s one of the oldest parades in the country, and it happens every New Year’s Day. It’s almost like Mardi Gras for Philadelphia. I’m part of the Cara Liom Brigade, which is Latin for “friend of mine.” We’re a comic group that wears fun outfits and dances around. I’ve been doing it for 11 years now.

How’s the Philly food scene?

I think it’s the most underrated food city in the entire country. Little like mom-and-pop places, corner places are always the best. People think of Italian food, but we also have our Chinatown, with incredible Asian food, and numerous Middle Eastern and even African cuisine places throughout the city. 

Best cheesesteak?

I think Angelo’s is the best. It’s actually a pizzeria that’s known as the best pizza in Philly, but I think that’s the best cheese steak in Philly, too.

Unexpected entertainment?

Philly is the Mural Capital of the World. There are more than 4,000 murals. They’re very, very, impressive and they’re all over scattered throughout the city. There are tours you can do that will take you from place to place.

Best adventure outside the city?

Wissahickon Valley Park has tons of hiking trails. You can spend hours hiking or just do a quick 30-minute trail. New Jersey is very close so you could also go to the beach for the day.

Best place to grab a beer?

Independence Beer Garden is one of my favorite spots. It’s outdoor. It’s right across the street from the Liberty Bell. I like Yards Brewery, and McGillin’s is the oldest bar in the city. There are a lot of speakeasies, including one called Blind Barber that’s owned by Bryce Harper. 

Best place to run?

Kelly Drive on the Schuylkill River. It goes by Boat House Row which is another famous spot in Philly. It’s only minutes from the city, and it’s beautiful out there. 

Jordan Grantham is senior content manager at ACEP.