I was transferred from Alta Bates Summit Medical Center five days after undergoing a traumatic intubation and open-heart surgery and admitted to Kaiser Permanente Antioch Medical Center. Upon arrival, I was warmly greeted by a physician, who immediately showed genuine concern and compassion. She listened attentively and reassured me that I was in good hands—that the medical team would do everything possible to support my recovery.

Her empathy and professionalism embody what every physician should strive for: medical excellence paired with humanity. During my path to recovery, I received exceptional care from numerous medical professionals—nurses, patient technicians, nutritionists, physical, occupational, and speech therapists, and even the maintenance crew. Most of the individuals I encountered treated me with dignity and respect. However, I would especially like to recognize the following individual who made a profound difference and gave me the strength to focus on healing and returning to my family: Lorena, RN.

Without Lorena's diligence, I would have been discharged without critical pain medication following open-heart surgery. Earlier that day, the doctor on shift reviewed my medications but failed to include my pain prescriptions in the discharge paperwork, despite assuring me they would be listed. Lorena immediately noticed the omission and took prompt action to reach the doctor before my discharge. Her persistence ensured that my pain medication was properly prescribed and available that evening—something essential for any open-heart surgery patient.

Thanks to her quick response and advocacy, I was able to rest and recover comfortably instead of suffering unnecessary pain. Lorena went above and beyond reviewing each medication carefully, explaining them patiently, and treating me not as a task but as a person. Her compassion, professionalism, and commitment to her patients make her an irreplaceable part of Kaiser's team.