Compassion for others is a core quality of many individuals who pursue careers in health care and public service alike.
The common ground in these two professions came to the forefront on the evening of Nov. 5, when Jerry Gary, a Patient Services Specialist at the UTMB Health Urgent Care Clinic at League City Campus, was leaving work for the day. Gary was driving toward
the campus exit on Walker Street when he observed an injured male being left in the roadway.
Gary immediately stopped to attend to the individual, who had critical injuries, with UTMB Police Department personnel also arriving on scene. After phoning EMS and learning an ambulance would take about 10 minutes to arrive, Gary and UTMB PD Corporal Daniel David determined the patient could reach the Emergency Department sooner in Gary's personal vehicle.
Together they helped the patient into Gary's car, ensuring the patient could receive emergency care as quickly as possible.
“These two individuals acted quickly with the patient in mind first and foremost. Their intervention expedited critical care that was needed,” says Dr. Vicente Resto, Chief Physician Executive and Senior Vice President for Health System Ambulatory Operations and Surgical Services. “This is the embodiment of our patient care mission. I am grateful for these team members who go above and beyond to care for our patients.”
Dr. Gulshan Sharma, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical and Clinical Innovation Officer, also expressed appreciation for Gary and David's actions. He says, "No title or orders are necessary to do an act of kindness; a sense of responsibility and situational awareness is all you need."
In recognition of Jerry Gary and Cpl. Daniel David's efforts, UTMB leaders presented both men with medallions that feature the Ashbel Smith Building, as a symbol of thanks for their courage, compassion, and going the extra mile to help a patient receive much-needed care.