Gil Gutierrez
June 2025
Gil
Gutierrez
,
APRN
Behavioral Health Urgent Care
SSM Saint Louis University Hospital
St Louis
United States
They said that from the moment he entered the room, his calm presence put them at ease and gave them hope that they were not alone.
I am honored to nominate Gil, NP, for the DAISY Award in recognition of the extraordinary care and compassion he showed my friend during a recent urgent care visit at SLU. As a close friend who has supported this patient through years of mental health challenges, I have accompanied them to many appointments and even hospital stays. On this occasion, my friend was in a particularly difficult place, suddenly overwhelmed by anxiety and depression, feeling hopeless, and unable to see their primary care provider for several weeks. We came to urgent care hoping for some immediate support. Although I was not allowed back during the visit, Gil went above and beyond by coming out afterward, at my friend’s request, to speak with both of us. He took time to explain the care plan and medications in detail, ensuring I understood how best to support my friend. Gil’s knowledge was impressive, but what stood out most was his kindness and willingness to make sure we both felt informed and cared for. On the way home, my friend could not stop talking about how much better they felt after seeing Gil. They said that from the moment he entered the room, his calm presence put them at ease and gave them hope that they were not alone. Gil reassured them that they could return as many times as needed if things got worse, which provided a tremendous sense of comfort during a very dark time. My friend was smiling the entire ride home-something I rarely see. Gil’s compassion, patience, and dedication made a simple urgent care visit transformative for my friend. He not only cared for his patient but also supported me as a caregiver. I am deeply grateful for the difference he made, and I cannot thank him enough. Thank you for considering Gil for this well-deserved recognition.