A Veteran presented to the ED with complaints of over 2-months of dizziness and slurred speech. Adam had this Veteran when he first arrived and assessed him for CVA. When the CT of the head report came back stating "could not r/o neoplasm" and suggested to have MRI soon. The Veteran was discharged by the provider with instructions to get an MRI ASAP. After the Veteran was discharged at 17:24, MRI called and stated they could see him today. The Veteran was called and returned by 19:13 to complete the MRI. Adam cared for this Veteran again, providing continuity of care and noted an acute change in his assessment from just a 1.5 hours prior: "Pt c/o numbness to lips and tip of tongue, difficulty with word-finding/repeating questions, poor proprioception with left hand as compared to the right."
While ER providers were initiating plans to admit the patient to the hospital, Adam was able to eloquently articulate his concerns for the Veteran. He was persistent in voicing the acute changes he found on his assessment, suggesting the patient required a higher level of care at a stroke center that could offer specialized treatment not available here. Because of Adam's persistent advocacy, and coordination of multidisciplinary care, the patient was transferred to the local stroke center. I appreciated Adam's perseverance in always doing what is right for our Veterans, and this is a perfect example. His determination on this Veteran's behalf ultimately resulted in the Veteran receiving the care he needed in a quick manner and hopefully prevented the Veteran from having debilitating outcomes.