Trudie Sepulveda demonstrates all the core values of integrity, commitment, advocacy, respect and excellence every day. Recently, she assisted a patient of mine with chronic paranoid schizophrenia, who had relocated from the Orlando area to be closer for medical care for his wife who was on a lung transplant list due to cancer. Trudie was able to communicate and calm his as well as his wife's anxiety due to the struggle associated with the transfer of care from another VA clinic. She was able to communicate better speaking in Spanish as the patient was of Hispanic descent. She printed out step by step what needed to be done and took the patient and his wife to her office to communicate with his PACT team to coordinate care. She also provided them with area Mental Health resources and options for respite.
He eventually required hospitalization and Trudie personally took the patient to our evaluation clinic so a primary care doctor could medically clear him and gave support to his wife until the ambulance arrived. This resulted in her having to stay after her shift ended. Acts such as this are done on a daily routine for Mrs. Sepulveda, and she performs them with professionalism, compassion, and dedication. She always makes the Veteran and their family a priority. She not only provides support and education for our patients, but she does it for all staff members, no matter what discipline.
She is a delight to work with and is an integral part of our entire JOPC clinic. Trudie is very deserving of the DAISY Award.