Suzanne has been the nurse navigator for the lung nodule program since it started. Upon my arrival to SFMC and becoming part of the team, it was readily apparent from the get-go that Suzanne has become the backbone of the program. From communicating with patients to other departments, to scheduling, to ensuring that imaging/testing is all done in a timely manner, she was one of the key reasons we were able to make a difference in patients’ lives. She is extremely organized and diligent. She attends bimonthly lung cancer conferences and helps with setting up all necessary testing needed. Not only that, Suzanne has also been working in the OR during procedures to ensure continuity of care and help the patients both in the clinic and during a procedure. Patients would ask me when they would be seeing Suzanne. She’s the first point of contact of the lung cancer program and is extremely well-loved and respected by all the patients, staff, and doctors. She always offers to help no matter how big or small the task is. Over the last few months of working with Suzanne, she has proven to be an indispensable asset to the growing interventional pulmonology service.

Suzanne really takes the time to get to know her patients. This not only forms a connection with the patients but is also very helpful in the clinical setting. Not only does Suzanne excel at her job, but she is also willing to help out wherever needed. Her level of teamwork allows for appointments and procedures to be completed smoothly. There is not a job that is too big or small that she isn't willing to help with. She has been a huge asset to our OR team, helping with IP procedures!

Suzanne is essentially a jack of all trades. Her official title is Nurse Navigator, however I think of her as a Chaos coordinator. She does an excellent job in reaching out to patients, screening through countless chest imaging and reports, ensuring any patient with abnormalities are known and case reviewed prior to even coming to my clinic. She follows up on all the results from all the biopsies/procedures and relays information to the patients and their families. She also works as my procedure nurse in the GI OR. Her communication skills are beyond exemplary and our patients absolutely love her. She demonstrates kindness and empathy towards everyone around her not only patients and their families.

Suzanne is unique because of the time she devotes to her patients. She always makes them a priority and makes sure they are taken care of. She also demonstrates better together by helping out in other areas without question.

When I chose to join SFMC to start an Interventional pulmonology program was not an easy decision for me, it was a big move and a bigger challenge. Since I started, Suzanne has demonstrated skills that are absolutely crucial to the success of the program. I received plenty of support throughout the process, and I appreciate everyone I encountered. Suzanne is essentially the backbone of the interventional pulmonology/lung nodule program. We have achieved quite long strides in the care for patients with lung cancer. From earlier diagnosis to shorter time for referrals, to significantly reduced time to receive therapy. It is safe to say that in our case, we have exceeded the national average and will continue to do so. I say with confidence that one of the key factors for such achievements is the fact that Suzanne Beckings is the nodule coordinator for this program.

We are so lucky to have Suzanne on our team!