Every once in a while, you meet someone who you instantly know is in the exact right career. That became crystal clear to me when I met Brandy Varga in the Interventional Radiology Department at UH West, where I was scheduled to undergo a couple of biopsies. Having recently been diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer, I was still in the process of undergoing tests and procedures, which left me emotional and a little anxious about their outcomes.

Brandy realized that I was at the beginning stages of mapping out my diagnosis and future treatment plan and made a “simple” statement along the lines of, “Just know, I’ve been where you are.” That statement started a conversation between us that has left a lasting impression on my heart. Brandy shared just enough of her own story that enabled us to realize our commonality without ever making it about her. I felt I could have talked to her for hours. She displayed absolutely every trait that a true caregiver/nurse should have: care, compassion, competence, communication, courage, commitment, relatability, and empathy. She put me at ease and made me feel I had an advocate in the room.

Being a 40-year healthcare worker myself, I know how challenging it can be at times to remain unfrazzled during a busy workday. Brandy fully exemplified focus, calmness, and a genuine desire for the well-being of her patient. I was lucky enough to be on the receiving end of all of that. Brandy is a tremendous asset to the nursing staff at University Hospitals.