Susan O'Brien
January 2026
Susan
O'Brien
,
BSN, RN
A81
Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
Cleveland
,
OH
United States
She has been vital to the development of processes and procedures that improve our patients' access to, and quality of, care.
Susan O'Brien consistently exemplifies the compassion, clinical excellence, and commitment to patient-centered care that are at the heart of this award. She has been a vital player in the growth of our program and in our ability to improve patients' lives.
Susan shines as a beacon of hope and compassionate care. She plays a pivotal role in guiding patients and their families through complex symptoms, diagnoses, and management plans. She demonstrates an exceptional ability to blend clinical knowledge with genuine empathy, ensuring patients not only receive the right care but also feel heard, supported, and empowered throughout their journey. Many of the individuals she serves arrive at our clinic discouraged, having suffered for years without validation or effective treatment. From the moment they engage with this caregiver, they are met with empathy, attentive listening, and a clear message: you are believed, and we will help you.
She goes far beyond logistical duties. She serves as a lifeline—navigating referrals, coordinating multidisciplinary care, and ensuring no patient falls through the cracks. It is not uncommon to see her fiercely advocating for timely insurance approvals and spending extra hours on follow-ups to ensure plans are carried forward. She has been vital to the development of processes and procedures that improve our patients' access to, and quality of, care.
She is also a teacher and mentor—educating both colleagues and patients with patience and clarity. Her commitment to trauma-informed care and holistic healing shapes the tone of our entire program. It is not just about treatment—it is about dignity, partnership, and hope. Beyond individual cases, she is a source of support and inspiration to colleagues. She collaborates seamlessly across disciplines, offers mentorship to new staff, and leads by example with a calm, thoughtful presence.
It is difficult to quantify the impact of her work, but it is profoundly felt. She makes a difference every single day. I can think of no one more deserving of recognition.
Susan shines as a beacon of hope and compassionate care. She plays a pivotal role in guiding patients and their families through complex symptoms, diagnoses, and management plans. She demonstrates an exceptional ability to blend clinical knowledge with genuine empathy, ensuring patients not only receive the right care but also feel heard, supported, and empowered throughout their journey. Many of the individuals she serves arrive at our clinic discouraged, having suffered for years without validation or effective treatment. From the moment they engage with this caregiver, they are met with empathy, attentive listening, and a clear message: you are believed, and we will help you.
She goes far beyond logistical duties. She serves as a lifeline—navigating referrals, coordinating multidisciplinary care, and ensuring no patient falls through the cracks. It is not uncommon to see her fiercely advocating for timely insurance approvals and spending extra hours on follow-ups to ensure plans are carried forward. She has been vital to the development of processes and procedures that improve our patients' access to, and quality of, care.
She is also a teacher and mentor—educating both colleagues and patients with patience and clarity. Her commitment to trauma-informed care and holistic healing shapes the tone of our entire program. It is not just about treatment—it is about dignity, partnership, and hope. Beyond individual cases, she is a source of support and inspiration to colleagues. She collaborates seamlessly across disciplines, offers mentorship to new staff, and leads by example with a calm, thoughtful presence.
It is difficult to quantify the impact of her work, but it is profoundly felt. She makes a difference every single day. I can think of no one more deserving of recognition.