I am the wife of a patient who, following abdominal surgery, faced a critical life-or-death event. Allison  has a warm demeanor and a ready smile, but looking deeper, you could almost see the clockwork motions of her mind. She is the reason my husband is alive today.  

I first met her the day after my husband‘s extensive hernia and lipoma surgery. All had gone well and we were expected to go home. But due to my husband’s age and medical status, it was suggested that we go home the next day. When I arrived, bright and early on Wednesday, I was surprised to see my husband feeling unwell. He was dizzy and unable to stand, a major change from 12 hours prior, when he was walking laps on the surgical fifth-floor unit. He was showing lower blood pressures, pain, and agitation. The floor nurse had orders to increase his volumes via IV and encouraging drinking. As the morning progressed, Allison continued to monitor him closely as his status devolved. Physical examination of his abdomen yielded no obvious clues. Allison and the floor nurse were an ever-present force. It was evident to them that something was wrong. Neither demonstrated anything but calm confidence as they conferred with each other and the hospitalist. X-rays were taken and by 1:20 PM an adult rapid response was called to the room. A chilling reality hit me as I stood in the hallway and watched a cadre of skilled professionals hover around my husband. Allison and two physicians conferred over a computer screen and Allison’s diagnosis and plans were confirmed and solidified.  Allison told me it was serious. Authorizations were signed. She never offered an opinion, only facts and actions.  It was comforting to see that she was confident with the treatment plan as I was numb. The required tests were ordered and immediately completed, the OR was readied, and the surgeon was standing at the foot of the bed waiting for the blood to arrive. Even when I observed tensions building between her, the anxiously present and assembled OR team, and chaotic ICU team protocols, I continued to have confidence that as the coordinator of my husband’s care, she would prevail.

My husband had 4 L of blood removed from his abdomen, and the surgeons were able to stop any continued bleeding. The surgeons told me it could have gone either way. This short missive belies the moment-by-moment directives and actions of a well-coordinated team. I am confident that my husband’s life-saving coordination could only have been completed because of Allison’s competence and her collegial respect.