Sylvia H. Campbell, director of Patient Navigation & Support, recently congratulated the ambulatory team for their inspiring teamwork in making it possible for a new patient, possibly facing a life-changing diagnosis, to see a rheumatologist the next day rather than having to wait for the next available appointment in January 2024.
In a letter to Pete Gutierrez, vice president, Ambulatory Operations, Campbell wrote, "Your Ambulatory Team is AWESOME—setting UTMB above all the rest in 'listening to patients' and 'delivering timely access to care'! Patient Navigation is astonished by the extraordinary teamwork that transpired yesterday to allow a new patient to see Dr. Medina/Rheumatology today versus first available in January 2024."
Campbell went on to say that the help in getting the patient scheduled allowed the patient to possibly move more quickly toward a more thorough diagnosis and treatment.
"Timely access to care may offer treatments to improve one’s health!. You all have my 'Spirit Award' in making a difference with this patient in providing her the opportunity to identify underlying health issues," Campbell wrote.
"Patient Navigation serves as a 'safety net' for acute/ambulatory patients/families that may be challenged in identifying who, what and where to contact," she wrote. "The department fosters TEAMWORK to offer all patients/families/referring community physicians the BEST OF UTMB! Thank you for your support!"