I've been lucky enough to work at the Med Center since I started my undergraduate career at Ohio State 5 years ago. My goal was to gain healthcare experience and learn all that I could about the healthcare world as I pursued my education and explored my pre-med options; indeed I was able to. From the world of research to various patient care floors focused on a wide array of specialties, I witnessed all of the ways that care was delivered at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. However, one of the most eye opening, and in my opinion, the most important opportunities of learning that I have had thus far was being able to learn about how to truly and compassionately care for our patients as a whole- that is their physical and emotional well being.

So many providers have shown me the proper way on going above and beyond in doing this, but Cathy is someone who, despite all odds, has such a gift that assures her patients that they are in the safest of hands. See, Cathy works as the sole nurse in the Ross Heart Hospital Operating Room overnight, meaning not only does she take on the tasks of multiple other people, but she does this with a smile as it is all in the name of each patient that comes into our operating rooms. Furthermore at nights, our cases consist of emergencies or transplants. For emergencies we usually only have minutes to prepare for the life-threatening illnesses or injuries that our patients face, and transplants are massive cases that require much participation. Both of these cases have patients that are usually uneasy and frightened, but despite any chaos and confusion, Cathy is right there, holding the patient's hand, letting them know that she is right there with them and will be taking her very best care of them.

This is what is unique about Cathy, is that she is always remembering that our priority is taking full care of our patient and ensuring that they are at ease. She inspires me each and every day to do the same, as this is what can be the distinction between a good provider and a great one. I am forever grateful to Cathy, as her impact will forever follow me as I continue on my journey in healthcare.