How long have you been with UTMB?
I have been with UTMB for five fun, fantastic years.
How do you describe your role to others?
First and foremost, I tell everyone that I am here to serve patients as if they are my family members. I want to impart my calmness and trustworthiness to help navigate their concerns no matter how big or small they may be. I am the voice that is not being heard from the patient.
Best part of your job?
Knowing that I have the time to listen to the patient. A patient will be yelling, screaming and crying and by the end of the conversation they are laughing and their whole mindset has changed. They are grateful that I gave them the time of day with no judgments. I make them feel cared for and have earned their trust because they end up sharing what is truly going on. The patients just want to be heard.
Most challenging part?
The fact that the patient is expressing their frustration by yelling or belittling me at the moment is because I am the patient’s sounding board. And knowing that I will not make every patient happy with the resolution that I offer as it will not be what they expect.
Who are your heroes and why?
My parents are my heroes. From my mother, I learned kindness and compassion and to love everyone no matter what, to give people second chances. From my father, I learned to have a strong work ethic to always give the best of me and be a sponge and learn as much as I can as knowledge is power.
What do you do in your spare time?
I love to read and travel. I love being out in the sun and hanging out and swimming in the pool.
Tell us one fun fact about yourself.
I have had the luxury of traveling to exotic beach locations abroad, and I always get confused for a local as I always end up making meaningful connections with all types of people from all over the world. Even though I can be shy, for some unknown reason people tend to gravitate toward me. I never deny anybody a big smile and a warm hello.