I can’t tell you how many patients have asked me to pass along their gratitude for Mohammed. From the anxious older woman who appreciated his precision and attention to detail, to the young man who felt calmed and understood. Among physicians, too, he is renowned for his excellence.

Although long overdue, a patient who had complications and a long postoperative course asked me to write this nomination. The patient was often mean and non-compliant until he met Mohammed. The first day I saw the patient, after Mohammed had cared for him, he smiled. He told me he had slept for the first time because of how Mohammed had positioned him. Often mistrusting, Mohammed had gained his trust and put him at ease. The patient had refused to work with PT until Mohammed somehow got him to agree to work with them, and again, I saw the patient looking pleased because of the progress he made with therapy. Over the course of a few days, the patient's personality completely changed back to who I knew pre-op - joking and optimistic.

When I saw the patient back in the clinic, he again expressed his gratitude to me for passing on his thanks to Mohammed and attributed the positive change in his hospital course to Mohammed. He described a nurse who was initially smart and competent, and then listened well, having the perfect mix of empathy and encouragement.

We are lucky to have a nurse who connects with patients of all ages and backgrounds, who personally improves their hospital experience, and who promotes their medical care with the trust of his colleagues