I was slightly nervous to start working in a CBOC as a primary care physician for the first time last year. CBOC's present some unique challenges for primary care doctors to connect patients with their care as they are physically removed from the amenities support resources of the main hospital. But as I started at the Queens CBOC I realized I had a secret resource at my disposal - veteran nurse Eva Vazquez has been single-handedly managing the Queens CBOC for years. She is unparalleled in her dedication to those patients. Every single patient knows her, respects her, and loves her. I hear countless times over and over when I have patient visits "Give my regards to Eva, she saved my life."
One specific instance for this nomination involves a 92-year-old World War 2 veteran who desperately needed a home health aide after a tragic fall that left him wheelchair-bound. Eva tirelessly worked on his case after some administrative delays and went above and beyond her normally scheduled duties to ensure this veteran got the care he so urgently needed.
Another instance is of the young worried patient in the time of COVID-19 who was anxiously experiencing COVID symptoms. Although the recommended daily follow up call for these low-risk patients is 14 days - Eva tirelessly called him every day for 41 days as she realized his anxiety regarding his symptoms. She is always and consistently going above and beyond her call of duty.
Eva exemplifies the DAISY Award. The Queens patient cohort data consistently reveals the best-managed hypertension and diabetic data and that is solely on the added efforts of Eva and her panel management skills.