Steven Lucas, MD, and Agnes Galiano, RN, members of the care team in UM Shore Medical Center at Chestertown’s Emergency Department, were honored this week as “EveryDay Heroes.” The award was presented by local realtor, Cindy Genther, of Rock Hall. Genther nominated them through a contribution to the Chester River Health Foundation for the exceptional care she received when due to symptoms of stroke, she was brought to the Emergency Department by EMS..
“Dr. Lucas met me in the ambulance bay to evaluate me and determine if I should stay or immediately be taken to another facility,” Genther said. “It was determined that I should stay at in Chestertown for continued evaluation. Nurse Agnes provided constant monitoring. Dr. Lucas checked back every few minutes to be sure I was stable. Eventually I was told I would be transferred to a more acute care facility and was asked for my preference. I said I wanted to stay on the Delmarva Peninsula and the team found me a bed at UM Shore Medical Center at Easton.”
“The nurses, doctors and staff at Easton were also exceptional, highly skilled professionals with a pleasant, caring attitude,” Genther continued. “The doctors told me I was not a typical candidate for a stroke because I exercise regularly, eat right and have no pre-existing health conditions. The Easton hospitalist, Dr. Vevkota, and neurologist Dr. Valentin, ordered extensive tests to find out the cause of my stroke, which turned out to be a rare, genetic blood disorder that causes clots, hence the stroke.”
“Now I have first-hand experience to tell my customers and fellow realtors that emergency and acute health care services on the Shore don’t get any better than this,” Genther concluded.
The EveryDay Hero program is an opportunity for patients and community members to honor and thank health care team members for excellent care through a donation to the Foundation.
“Any team member can be a hero,” said Maryann Ruehrmund, Executive Director and Chief Development Officer of the UM Chester River Health Foundation. “EveryDay Heroes could include environmental services team members who take extra care while cleaning a room, emergency department physicians who save lives, or an exceptionally compassionate volunteer who transports a patient by wheelchair.”
“In fact, with the end of the year typically being a very popular time to make charitable gifts, I suggest each of us consider make our gifts in honor or in memory of a family member or caregiver. These gifts are one of the most important ways we can help shape the world around us,” Ruehrmund said.