Over the last few months, members of our department were nominated by colleagues, patients, and patient family members for a variety of actions that have had a major impact. (One member, as you will see below, has been nominated a few times since our last post!) Recognizing others is fast and easy with the Making a Difference nomination form.
Susan Shea, ARNP, MSN
Jenny Houlihan, Staff Member
Susan did a phenomenal job of leading the charge to transition a patient with complicated needs from a pediatric service to adult, all during a recent hospital admission. Her communication skills with the patient/parents and entire team were commendable. Thank you, Susan!
Jeanett Wu, MD
Grace K, Patient
Dr. Wu is an amazing doctor who cares for each of her patients. She works until all hours of the night and would skip sleep altogether if it were an option. She’s wonderful and deserves as much recognition as possible.
Nagalakshmi Nagarajan, MD
Nicole, Patient
I saw Dr. Nagalakshmi Nagarajan in the IRL Cardiology Clinic today. I’m sure you are flooded with many positive patient experiences, but this was by far the best experience I have had at UIHC. Dr. Nagarajan was the most personable, kind, compassionate, and informative provider I have ever encountered. I could not speak more highly of her. She made a somewhat nerve‐wracking appointment stress free and enjoyable. She sat me down, as if she were talking with a friend, and walked through my ECHO image by image. She explained everything in terms I understood, gave me follow‐up instructions, and answered all my questions. She told me she’d love to see me annually in clinic but was happy that I would no longer need to see her unless something drastic changed. She cared about me, as a person and patient, from the moment she opened my chart. Dr. Nagarajan is truly an amazing provider and I cannot express the quality of care and compassion she provides.
Poorani Sekar, MD
Jeremiah C, Patient
She has excellent people skills. She took the time to explain everything to me and possible outcomes. I felt much better about my situation after leaving the visit. Thank you!
Poorani Sekar, MD
Jeffrey B, Patient
Has been a pleasure having Doctor Sekar taking care of me. Keeps me up on what I need to do for care of myself and such a wonderful person as well! Thank you!!
Poorani Sekar, MD
Candy B, Patient
I’m a 72 year old woman and have been to many Drs throughout my lifetime. But the caring, interest, knowledge and ability to make me feel valued as a patient and person, Dr Poorani Sekar rose above and beyond. She truly has love, fire and a thirst to help her patients. She certainly made my day better. Thank you for having her for a Doctor, at our great University of Iowa Hospital!
Jennifer Strouse, MD
Dan K, Patient
Dr. Strouse put together a treatment plan better than any I have ever seen. She is caring and very thorough. Thank you for everything
Poorani Sekar, MD
Terri C, Patient
Dr. Sekar is an excellent physician, an individual that is compassionate & caring. She is one of the best physicians I have ever seen in thoroughly explaining procedures & what one could experience through various treatments. Since I am a nurse, I have worked with several physicians & she is remarkable. Her intellectual ability is amazing but what helps a patient feel comfortable is her bedside manner. Without a doubt, she is at the top of the list. Her enthusiasm & caring manner helps demonstrate to others what it means to be a wonderful healthcare provider. I am privileged and thankful to be her patient.
Susan (Elizabeth) Jackson, Clinic Services Specialist
Poorani Sekar, Staff Member
Elizabeth has gone above and beyond to ensure the prior authorizations for medications are done in a timely manner. She cares about the outcome and does everything she can to get approval for the medication. The process requires a lot of patience, the ability to provide accurate information and navigate a variety of forms/hurdles posed by the insurance companies. She is an asset to the med specialty clinic.
Katherine White, MD
Stephanee J, Patient
Dr. Katherine White is truly an amazing doctor who truly goes above and beyond the call of duty to be my Primary Care Doctor. Before Dr. White I had trouble getting a doctor to even want to see me because of my complex care. I have so many health problems and need to be seen very frequently and it took me a very long time to find Dr. White. I have only been seeing Dr. White for a little over two months and we already have built an amazing relationship. I have been sick for almost two months with a hard to treat UTI and Dr. White has shown so much concern for me, she has called me almost every day to check on me and even seen me multiple times in a week. Most doctors don’t even call their patients or even see them once a month but weekly visits if I need to see her is truly amazing. Having chronic health problems, it just helped me to see Dr. White and talk with her about my concerns even if they were minor. She has shown me that she truly is the best by how much she cares for me and shows so much kindness and empathy towards me. Dr. White has gone above and beyond the call of duty to take care of me and help heal me. I truly have an Amazing Doctor that now I can be calm in knowing I will never ever have to search for a primary care doctor to take care of me. Dr. White deserves the Making a Difference Award for going above and beyond the call of duty to take care of me and all her patients. Thank you!
Yasameen Muzahim, MD
Megan Bertelsen, Staff Member
I would like to nominate Dr Yasameen Muzahim for this award. I am writing to express my deepest gratitude and admiration for her exceptional dedication and unwavering commitment to her patients. Her consistent willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty is truly remarkable and has had a profound impact on the lives of the patients we serve.
We have repeatedly witnessed her extraordinary ability to treat the whole patient, not just their symptoms. She possesses a rare gift for recognizing the interconnectedness of physical, emotional, and social well‐being, and this holistic approach has undoubtedly saved lives. Where others might easily dismiss a patient’s concerns, she consistently demonstrates a remarkable level of compassion and perseverance.
Her dedication to thoroughness, her willingness to invest extra time (even if she might not want to some days), and her insightful ability to see beyond the surface are qualities that set her apart. She is a true advocate for her patients, and her unwavering commitment to their total well‐being is an inspiration to us all.
We are incredibly fortunate to have Dr Muzahim as a member of our medical team. Her contributions are invaluable, and her impact on the lives of her patients is immeasurable. Dr Muzahim, thank you for your extraordinary care and for making a real difference in the world.
Lauren Tomlinson, MD, First-Year Resident
Jeremy C, Patient’s Family
From the moment she admitted my wife Dr. Tomlinson has been nothing short of amazing. She does anything she can to ease whatever ails the patient while also figuring out the source. From spending time comforting my wife any way possible, to helping her understand the choices in front of her. I find it hard to believe there is another doctor as compassionate.
While this is not her specialty she would be one of the best med/surgery physicians. If she is half as invested in her future opthalmology patients she has a very bright career ahead.
Poorani Sekar, MD
David F, Patient
Dr. Sekar has been working on the staph infection. She has explained all facets to me very well. I’m very happy with her care glad to be under UI Hospital’s care. Thank you!