I had the experience of spending time in the Travel Clinic at Sanford SF. Discovering earlier that the shots and vaccinations I needed were not available at Sanford in Aberdeen OR Avera, my reaction was to question why I had to drive all the way to Sioux Falls "just to get a shot". After observing Terese Kenner in action, it is abundantly clear why there is a specialty office staffed with very specially educated and talented professionals to handle the concerns of understanding and preventing infectious diseases which could result from international travel.
In all my years, soon to number 70, I have never had such a satisfying experience in a health care situation…doctor's office, clinic, surgical center or hospital. As I mentioned, I came wondering why I had to drive so far for a simple shot; I left feeling educated and thoroughly informed, armed with material to which I could refer. My questions and anxieties were met with respect and professionalism. I felt completely confident that the decisions I made were in my best interest.
The passion Terese displays says she is an individual who clearly loves her work. The energy and patience she puts into explanations—presenting information, answering questions, clarifying and comparing options—seems an obvious indication of her abundant knowledge as well as the compassion she feels for her patients. She is natural in her ability to reach out and make connections. That Monday in the Travel Care Center, due to the attentive nature of Terese, I felt as though I must surely be the only patient in the clinic. To my thinking, that is the ultimate compliment.
The professionalism and care demonstrated to me that day was a tribute to healthcare in general and most specifically to Sanford Health.