Here is an email from Dr. Selwyn O. Rogers, Jr, Division Chief, Trauma, Burn, and Surgical Critical Care at Brigham and Women's Hospital to our chief of surgery and me:
Dear President Levy and Dr. Hurst,
As part of a multidisciplinary multihospital team, I had the honor and privilege to work alongside one of BIDMC's outstanding nursing professionals as part of the first wave of Partners in Health medical response to the earthquake relief in Haiti. As a trauma nurse, Judy was invaluable as she courageously worked under the most austere environment to provide care to the impoverished who suffered open fractures, compartment syndrome, and sepsis. Equipped with little more than a stethoscope, some drugs, and an indomitable spirit, Judy provided indefatigable care to countless patients in the postoperative recovery unit.
Her greatest gift to her patients was her compassion. One selfless act stands out among many. One of our patients had blood sugars that were so high that they were unmeasurable on the glucometer. There was no insulin available. Judy gave the patient her own insulin. With nursing professionals like Judy, it was a privilege to serve the people of Haiti.
Sincerely,
Selwyn O. Rogers, Jr, MD, MPH
That's what you call a selfless act.
ReplyDeleteWow. Just, wow.
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Hi Paul-
ReplyDeleteMy husband was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (insulin-dependent) last week, so I understand how scary and truly selfless this nurse's decision must have been. Such incredible people work at BIDMC. Thank you for sharing this.
I am not surprised that a nurse would do such a noble and selfless thing - and I'm really not surprised that she is a BIDMC nurse.
ReplyDeleteExtraordinary. We should all give someone else our own insulin.
ReplyDeleteThat's because Judy is one of the best nurses I know!
ReplyDeleteWow. That's some serious discipleship, right there.
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