Your Care, Their Gratitude

Today, I’m filled with joy to share comments of appreciation from patients and their loved ones. Hearing from those who’ve received not just exceptional health care in our hospital or in our clinics, but outstanding customer service. Their notes of gratitude serve as the ultimate validation for a job well-done.  

Each patient named a person or people in multiple units at the Medical Center in their complimentary emails. To them, I want to express my deep appreciation. But, make no mistake, they never act alone. The full range of faculty, staff, residents, trainees and others who had a part in these positive experiences is vast. No matter which area of the Medical Center you work in, we can all take a measure of pride in accounts such as these. 

Charlotte Sandlin

Ms. Sandlin, of Clarksdale, underwent surgery in May for a meningioma brain tumor observed by doctors to be 4-5 cm – or the size of a small tangerine. The care she received from neurosurgery faculty and staff and related departments inspired her husband, Dan, coincidentally a career health care worker himself, to send this to us through social media messaging.  

I am writing to express my heartfelt appreciation and to formally recognize the exceptional care and compassion demonstrated by the UMMC team during the post-surgical treatment and care of my wife, Charlotte Sandlin. With 45 years of experience in healthcare, I have witnessed many instances of outstanding service; however, your staff's teamwork, empathy, and expertise during this challenging time were truly remarkable. 

I would like to commend the following individuals for their exemplary dedication, compassion, and attentiveness:

• Camryn Eidson was the first nurse we met on the 457 South floor. She set the bar exceedingly high, and we were delighted when we learned she would be our nurse again in the Neurosurgical ICU 
• Anna Claire Blaine 
• Lillie McKay 
• Colby Cothren 
• Kelsey Smith 
• Lauren Haines

In addition, I wish to extend my gratitude and recognition to the entire neuro team. In particular, I commend Dr. Hidalgo, Dr. Luzardo, Dr. Shiflett, Dr. Santos, Dr. Scott, Dr. Bhatia, Dr. Harris and all the doctors and residents involved. Every member of the medical and support staff worked seamlessly together to ensure that my wife received the utmost care, making her post-surgical journey as smooth as possible. Likewise, all ancillary personnel were exemplary.

It is my sincere hope that this letter serves as a testament to the high standards of care maintained at UMMC under your leadership. The exceptional teamwork, deep compassion, and impressive knowledge demonstrated by your team not only reaffirm UMMC’s reputation for excellence but also inspire confidence in patients and their families during the most trying of times. 

Sincerely, 

Reverend Dan Sandlin

Brian Camp

Mr. Camp, of Dumas, noticed a spot on the back of his neck later recommended for removal and biopsy by his endocrinologist. His wife, Emilee, had been a patient previously at our specialty clinic in Oxford, two hours from where they lived but a place they remembered for a positive experience. His subsequent visit to UMMC Grenada to have the procedure done prompted this note. 

My wife had melanoma about four years ago with lymph node removal at UMMC in Oxford. So, in my mind I thought that was where we would be going. But God had different plans. I went there and walked in; the staff was truly amazing and uplifting. The surgeon who came in and met with me was very thorough and took his time. I am not exaggerating, he took approximately an hour with me. He calmed my fears and made me feel safe. I knew at that minute that I was in good hands. 

He worked me in the following day, May 29. When we walked in the front entrance, we were met by the most incredible uplifting staff. They got me prepared for surgery, and I was in the holding area at around 8 a.m. The curtains slid open, and it's a doctor with a huge smile and a heart just as big and said, ‘Brian, I am going to take care of you.’” He informed me thoroughly of every detail of the procedure he was about to do. His name is Dr. Alden Kirk, and to me and my wife, he is the absolute BEST. I just thought I would write you and let you know about your doctor and surgical staff at UMMC Grenada.  

Reading these types of letters inspires me, and they’ll no doubt do the same for you. Hard work and attention to detail can elicit some of the most heartfelt messages of thanks you’ll ever want to see.  

They say the difference between ordinary and extraordinary is just a little extra effort. Give it all you have – plus a little bit more. You’ll impress your coworkers, supervisors and just maybe significantly impact someone’s view of the Medical Center. Feedback such as these messages of thanks are the foundation on which we build A Healthier Mississippi.