A GRATEFUL SURGEON

Praise for a job well done is always welcome and in the fast-paced environment of healthcare delivery, it can lift spirits beyond measure. “At Doylestown Health, we are always delighted to receive notes of thanks and appreciation from patients for the care we provide,” says Jim Brexler, President and CEO.

Recently, one such note of thanks arrived. Distinguishing this note from others was the author— one of Doylestown’s own surgeons. In his letter, he recounted:

“As a physician, I found myself in a comfortingly familiar environment, but in a distinctly unfamiliar role as a patient. I have never before undergone major surgery, nor required hospitalization. The care that I received was outstanding and I want to acknowledge and thank all involved.”

With exceptional recall, the author lists names of Doylestown Health physicians, nurses and associates from admissions, anesthesia, surgery, post-acute and inpatient care, as well as the IV team, and recognizes “the many others working behind the scenes that contribute to the safety and comfort of hospitalized patients including the lab, housekeeping and dietary services who also deserve acknowledgement and thanks.”

To receive commendations like this from a patient, and especially a surgical colleague “is the highest honor,” says Albert Ruenes, MD, of Doylestown Health Urology. “That he chose to have his surgery here speaks volumes of his confidence in us and in me. There is a heightened sense of responsibility because this person is your colleague and friend and a part of the family,” said Dr. Ruenes. “In this instance we were treating someone who is a healer himself. A good outcome means that this individual will be restored and can continue to care for others in our community.” According to Dr. Ruenes, such a heartfelt letter is “a reminder to all of us that what we do every day matters.”

Courtney Conti, RN, was also deeply touched when she learned of this recognition. “It means the world to me and truly is an honor to be recognized by a patient, especially this particular patient because I work with him closely.” From a nurse’s perspective, “we just want everything to go perfectly when taking care of a surgeon because we want them to get the best care possible, just as they have done for their own patients,” Courtney noted.

Enclosed with the letter was a generous gift to Doylestown Health Foundation’s Honor a Caregiver program designated to the Doylestown Hospital Nursing Scholarship Fund. The fund provides tuition and scholarship support for nurses as they pursue continuing education and certification in specialized fields. For nurses like Courtney, “it is wonderful to be recognized and it is even more special that his gift was designated to the Nursing Scholarship Fund, the same fund from which I have received numerous scholarships,” she shared. “Many of our grateful patients who choose to share their experience and gratitude also make gifts recognizing their caregivers through our Honor a Caregiver program and those are especially meaningful,” explains Laura Wortman, Vice President and Chief Development Officer.