Jessica Malding works in Dermatology services at the Phoenix VA Health Care System. I first met Jessica when I began my first treatment session. From the moment I met her, Jessica was polite, friendly, and respectful, and she took her time explaining everything about my first treatment. She made sure I was not nervous and that I was completely at ease. After my treatment, she followed up with me to give me instructions on signs I should look for and report before my next treatment so that they could make adjustments as necessary. I felt completely comfortable before I left the clinic that day and had a high regard for Jessica. She made a great first impression on me during my first visit. I continue to go to PVAHCS 2-3 times a week for my treatments in Dermatology. Jessica makes sure to get me back for my treatment as soon as she gets the message indicating I have checked in. It doesn't matter if I am 20 minutes early. She will take me back early as long as the room is empty and does not conflict with another veteran's appointment time. As a fellow VA employee, I truly appreciate her doing this because I have voiced to Jessica in the past that I try to schedule my treatment during my lunchtime, and I am always in a hurry so I, too, can get back to work to tend to our veteran's needs. I realize that this is not something she has to do, and she could easily let me sit out there until my appointment. This is one of the small things she does, which is a huge thing for me that sets her apart from her colleagues. 
Jessica is a great listener and very compassionate. I lost my dog a month ago. I took it really hard when I found out she only had about two weeks to live. The day I found out was right before my treatment at the dermatology clinic. I walked in extremely sad, with tears in my eyes. Jessica asked me what was wrong. The minute she asked me, I couldn't contain my composure, so she just hugged me and held me while I cried. I will never forget her kindness and her words of comfort. During the remainder of my dog's life, she would continue to ask me about how she was doing. She will never know how much I appreciated her caring during that difficult time. During my entire time of treatment at the Dermatology clinic, Jessica has never slacked in her care to us veterans or in the manner in which she treats us.
I have never experienced any rudeness or discomfort from her. She continues to take the time to talk to us without rushing us or making us feel like we are bothering her. I really miss her the days she is out because I know she really goes out of her way to make sure we veterans get prompt and friendly service. I left my dermatologist out in the community due to their lack of customer service. I questioned myself about the care I would receive at the dermatology clinic at PVAHCS. Whatever doubts I had at one time have been put to rest. My experience has been exceptional. I highly recommend and will continue to choose the dermatologist clinic at PVAHCS as long as we continue to have the care and treatment provided by Jessica Malding. Mrs. Malding is a great example of what healthcare delivery at PVAHCS should be like for our veterans. Thank you, Jessica, for what you do. Your care and your actions do not go unnoticed.