September 2026 Honoree
Pamela Millin, M.S.N., R.N.
Pamela is a stand-out among many stand-out nurses that I have had over the past 20+ years (in several different departments) at a great, stand-out facility: Mayo Clinic.
I needed MOHS surgery (again) on my face - this time, my forehead...and as it turned out, I needed yet another biopsy in a sensitive area on my right eyelid. This latter had not been scheduled yet, but she took a look at it and informed the doctor. So, that biopsy was worked in during the doctor's time, also.
Pamela’s calm and pleasant manner continued before and throughout the MOHS procedure, with detailed information and instructions that she repeated at times for emphasis but that were never condescending or felt in any way like a put-down.
As various individuals came into the room, she introduced them and told me what their roles were, from the doctor and others, including a photographer after getting my permission for photos, and the reasons for them (teaching purposes and my own medical information). She included my husband in the teaching until he needed to leave during the actual surgery. She made a point of asking where he would be waiting so she could contact him as soon as possible.
After the surgery, she called my husband back in and taught us both how to care for the post-surgical area. She made sure we each understood what to watch for in the healing process and when to call for help if intervention were needed, emphasizing which phone number to use. She patiently explained when and how to change the bandages (and what to utilize) on the sensitive surgical areas right on the hairline (the MOHS) and especially the eyelid biopsy.
During the surgery, while following the doctor's instructions-she continued to tell me what was happening, as well as making pleasant conversation. At no time did I feel that she was not paying close attention to the doctor, while our conversation continued to be very pleasant and personal while continuing to inform me about what was happening.
What stood out especially was that from the time Pamela first introduced herself, my husband and I honestly cannot remember feeling a bit of dread or nervousness about this MOHS surgery, not before, during, or after, because of her calm, pleasant approach, even laughing appropriately at our jokes-and her obvious love of teaching.
We cannot thank her enough.
I needed MOHS surgery (again) on my face - this time, my forehead...and as it turned out, I needed yet another biopsy in a sensitive area on my right eyelid. This latter had not been scheduled yet, but she took a look at it and informed the doctor. So, that biopsy was worked in during the doctor's time, also.
Pamela’s calm and pleasant manner continued before and throughout the MOHS procedure, with detailed information and instructions that she repeated at times for emphasis but that were never condescending or felt in any way like a put-down.
As various individuals came into the room, she introduced them and told me what their roles were, from the doctor and others, including a photographer after getting my permission for photos, and the reasons for them (teaching purposes and my own medical information). She included my husband in the teaching until he needed to leave during the actual surgery. She made a point of asking where he would be waiting so she could contact him as soon as possible.
After the surgery, she called my husband back in and taught us both how to care for the post-surgical area. She made sure we each understood what to watch for in the healing process and when to call for help if intervention were needed, emphasizing which phone number to use. She patiently explained when and how to change the bandages (and what to utilize) on the sensitive surgical areas right on the hairline (the MOHS) and especially the eyelid biopsy.
During the surgery, while following the doctor's instructions-she continued to tell me what was happening, as well as making pleasant conversation. At no time did I feel that she was not paying close attention to the doctor, while our conversation continued to be very pleasant and personal while continuing to inform me about what was happening.
What stood out especially was that from the time Pamela first introduced herself, my husband and I honestly cannot remember feeling a bit of dread or nervousness about this MOHS surgery, not before, during, or after, because of her calm, pleasant approach, even laughing appropriately at our jokes-and her obvious love of teaching.
We cannot thank her enough.
Thank you, Pamela, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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