Phil Fotia
February 2022
Phil
Fotia
,
BSN, RN
3 Central Progressive Care
Mayo Clinic Arizona
Phoenix
,
AZ
United States

 

 

 

Phil made things happen. He helped me to continue to work toward my eventual discharge. He was my coach, my mentor, and my spiritual advisor.
Phil was in one of the first groups of nurses assigned to my case. My COVID infection was severe enough that physicians used the phrase “on the brink” more than once. I am a dentist with advanced degrees in cellular physiology and biochemistry. I have been active in research since the onset of the pandemic. I knew the survival statistics of an intubated patient were not as promising as a non-intubated patient. After confessing my concerns to Phil, he promised to help me avoid intubation. His dedication to my improvement was tremendous even in a situation where the nursing care was 100% exemplary. Phil knew the parameters that were required to move between stages of recovery. He worked diligently to that end and never was anything less than positive. The value of staying positive and projecting a positive attitude was so very important to a patient who had just enough information and understanding to appreciate the very real danger of mortality combined with the sensory deprivation that the isolation necessitated. Phil made things happen. He helped me to continue to work toward my eventual discharge. He was my coach, my mentor, and my spiritual advisor. As much as I appreciated the incredible degree to which the entire nursing staff was dedicated to my comfort during this very difficult period, Phil extended his input even above the bar the other nurses set so high. It was nothing short of divine intervention that put Phil into my life and, although the entire Mayo staff worked continuously to achieve my recovery, Phil saved my life. Thank you, Phil.