Approximately 6 weeks ago, I begun suffering from some digestive turmoil; figuring it was poor fiber intake or food consumption, I self-treated. Two weeks later, it became worse, resulting in loss of vital fluids and blood through less than glorious means. I was weakened, in considerable pain, and scared. I went to be seen by the General Medicine clinic. The entire team was outstanding. They listened to my concerns with genuine concern, not once looking away as I spoke. They calmed my fears and concerns, ordered some tests, and gave me a preliminary diagnosis, medications, and a treatment plan involving a very strict diet. Two days later, I got worse. Fluid loss had become just blood loss and at high frequency, my situation had become so poor, I displayed all signs of severe anemia and nearly passed out. I returned to the General Medicine clinic, they were concerned a much more serious situation was going on than simple inflammation and emergency room treatment was being considered.

It was at this time that I learned the length Betty Richardson had gone to advocate for my care on my visit just two days before. Though on that date, her insistence on me receiving a specific test was dismissed for a quicker procedure, she did not give in easily, and what is more admirable, she didn't complain about it to me but kept me informed on what was occurring. I believed that the care I received from Betty on my first visit could not have been surpassed, as they listened to my concerns without being dismissive, kept eye contact with me, and spoke with me as an individual and not just another patient. But on my second visit, when I got progressively worse, they, in my honest opinion, went above and beyond what was necessary. They could have easily just activated 911 and sent me off to the local hospital, but they did not. They took the time to reevaluate me, sought counsel and assistance from the Chief of Staff to have the original tests done, put in additional tests as precautionary measures, and rule out everything (leave no stone unturned). They escorted me by wheelchair to the laboratory and diagnostics, and he sat with me and chatted with me. He joked with me, making the whole endeavor more bearable.

Each made me feel safe, that I mattered, my situation was important to them. They spoke with me, not to me, with genuine concern and warm feelings. Though they did not physically hold my hand through the whole ordeal, the way they treated me was as if they were holding my hand in comfort the whole time. I have been treated by many great providers and medical staff, but I cannot think of any one individual or group that has provided me with such amazing care with genuine concern, and a warm and safe feeling that everything would be okay, that I would make it through this ordeal and be able to return to a full life. Betty and her General Medicine team are the #1 care team at the West Texas VA Health Care System, and I hope this nomination will illustrate how important they are to me and how I greatly appreciate what they have done for me.