I recently had the humbling experience of needing acute medical care for a post-operative infection that required a PICC line and IV antibiotics. It is challenging, as a physician, to feel vulnerable and dependent on providers at our own medical center. And yet, the silver lining to my experience is that I was able to understand and appreciate, first-hand, the tremendous care of our medical staff. I was frankly stunned by Tamara's skill as a nurse. I was admittedly nervous to get a PICC line. Tamara immediately put me at ease, talking me through every step of the process before starting, interjecting questions to help build rapport and a relationship with me, and also sharing her passion for her work. She understood my level of knowledge yet allowed me space to still feel anxious about the process, helping me to remain calm throughout the placement. She clearly has a natural ability to put patients at ease, warmly show her concern and support for her patients, and simultaneously demonstrate expertise in her skill at placing PICC lines.

She called me the next day to check-in, was very supportive in answering my silly questions, reassuring me that I have a team to count on in this process. I was honestly amazed by her work and so thankful to have her walking me through that step of treatment. I walked away from this, so thankful for our medical center staff and providers and so grateful to be a Kaiser Permanente member.