This Is My Why is a series of stories about what inspires and motivates researchers, clinicians, teachers, students and staff at Stanford University School of Medicine in their work and beyond.
To honor those who make immeasurable contributions to healthcare, we feature cross-sectional views of the people whose dedication and passion underpin the success of Stanford University Hospital. Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford spans a wide range of functions that make up the heart and soul of Stanford.
José Arzate, Senior Manager, Inpatient Clinical Applications, Technology and Digital Solutions
Arzate’s team is responsible for maintaining the complex technology that keeps the hospital running smoothly. This is a less visible but important factor in patient care. Arzate will be celebrating his 10th anniversary with his TDS team managing a vast array of external clinical applications across two hospitals, two urgent care centers, two emergency departments and more than five clinic buildings. He said he was excited to do it.
“I believe in the mission of Stanford Health Care and understand the importance of clinical skill in achieving our purpose of healing humanity through science and compassion, one patient at a time. When the technology used to provide care does not perform as designed, it can have negative consequences, affecting clinical outcomes and the patient experience. As, I believe our work can have a positive impact on patient healing.I share Stanford Health Care’s mission, my team, my leadership, and my passion to help humanity. My operational colleagues who do this inspire me to do more every day.”
Bruce Feldstein MD, BCC, Director of Jewish Pastoral Services
Feldstein and his team provide spiritual care to all Jewish patients and their families from beginning to end of life. He also teaches Spirituality, Healing, Reflection, and Wellbeing at Stanford Medical School. Feldstein worked as an emergency physician for 19 years, but his back injury forced him to make an unusual career change and become a pastor. Because of his experience as a physician, Feldstein is often consulted by other doctors and nurses to address the mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of their patients.
“As a pastor, I serve on behalf of meaning, life, health, and the sacred, be it spiritual, religious, existential, or scientific. When I do, I prepare my attention and intentions.I remind myself.According to these principles, I ask the following questions. May I be with you in your world as you are. May it bring you comfort, strength and a presence that allows you to connect with the Source of Meaning. Belonging, dignity, courage. hope, faith and love. What’s important to you is important to me. May all my life experiences and my training and expertise allow me to identify and respond. Hope it helps. May I be a blessing. These aspects of our common humanity are the kind of medicine that doesn’t fit into an IV or a scalpel. And when they are produced, some healing occurs. “
Alyssa Giacalone, Chief Physician Assistant on the Pediatric and Congenital Cardiothoracic Surgery Team at Stanford Children’s Health and Co-Leader of the Pet Therapy Program
Giacalone educates patients and families before surgery, mentors undergraduate and preparatory PA students, assists in the operating room, and helps comfort families through one of life’s most stressful experiences. It’s her job to help. As a passion project she co-founded the Packard Paws Pet Therapy Program in 2018 because of dogs’ ability to relieve stress and anxiety in patients, families, and even hospital staff. The nonjudgmental, unconditional love from dogs is an instant morale boost, she says. Remember that you are a different person.”
“I am always told that I could never work with a seriously ill baby or child, but I always find that children are amazingly resilient, strong, and able to bounce back from the worst with a smile on their face. It is my responsibility not only to educate my patients and their families, but to earn their trust and make sure they feel they are not alone in this journey. I hope that if I can be a familiar face to them, they’ll feel reassured by what they know… There’s someone in their corner.”
Fiona Gutierrez-Dewar, Registered Nurse
Gutierrez-Dewar works in the Department of Inpatient Oncology and Hematology at Stanford Hospital. She happens to know it all too well – herself just a patient she was on that ward five years ago. She was 22 years old and had been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Shortly after finishing her treatment, she learned that nursing her was her future. She enrolled in coursework to complete her nursing degree, and a few years later the same unit in which she was receiving her first job offer.
“I am very passionate about my work at Stanford Health Care. I know, I want every patient to have a positive experience like I did and to be treated with the kindness, compassion and dignity they deserve. In. I take great pride in working for an institution like Stanford, where the care we provide is cutting-edge and life-saving. “These are the nurses from when I was being treated at Stanford Hospital not so long ago. Their dedication to providing compassionate care is second to none. Stanford Health Care I wouldn’t be here today without the life-saving care I received in.”
Jillian Kumagai Director of Health Libraries and Community Support
People grappling with unfamiliar medical conditions and new diagnoses need someone like Kumagai. She recognizes that people come to her during vulnerable times in their lives – facing new diagnoses, chronic such as facing critical conditions, navigating the complexities of healthcare.
“I am passionate about helping people find trusted health information, resources that support holistic care, and creating a warm and welcoming space for all. It gives us a front row seat to the human experience and when someone explores what they’re looking for, the story naturally unfolds beyond immediate health concerns. We have formal storytelling efforts to amplify the voice of our community, build connections, broaden horizons and foster empathy. Hearing how listening provides comfort reinforces the vital role of our library: in supporting the growth and well-being of our communities.18 years ago When I walked into the library to be interviewed, I knew I had found my place.
Daniel O’Dalley, Child Life Specialist
O’Daly’s work revolves around reducing the stress and anxiety children and their families experience during treatment and hospitalization. She teaches them coping skills and prepares them for the experiences they face. She meets children according to their level and works with her family based on their unique needs.O’Daly has been with Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford for almost seven years, where she mainly treats patients with heart disease.
“Being in a hospital environment can be very isolating for patients and their families. My work can give children a sense of normalcy and help them navigate the hospital experience.” We learn and respond to each patient individually. We are sensitive to the specific interests and developmental needs of children, providing the best possible experience, and helping them manage the fragile aspects of life. Being with you in the moment. The driving force behind my work is seeing the strength and resilience of children and wanting to help them.I do everything I can to reduce fear and provide meaningful experiences. increase.”
Redit Tesfaye, Director of transport services
Tesfaye’s job is to provide employees with a variety of alternative transportation options and promote programs that promote sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation to and from Stanford Health Care. The pandemic has disrupted efforts to change people’s behavior away from driving alone, so Tesfaye’s team is reimagining how to demonstrate the economic, environmental and personal benefits of using alternative modes of transportation. .
“One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is seeing the positive impact these programs have on our employees. It motivates me that the growing number of employees who recognize It will also improve.”
Jackie Wang, Horticulturalist and Exterior Management, Transportation and Sites Department
Wang oversees, manages and guides Look and Feel in the natural world outside of the University and Stanford Health Care. She works closely with landscape contractors to improve maintenance standards, develop design plans for landscape renewals, and work on planning major projects. The Exterior Management Group also partners with the Sustainability Program Office to identify and implement best practices for sustainable landscape opportunities.
“For me, working in a green industry means working with limitless knowledge, passion and friendship.Everyone I meet in this field is very keen to share their experiences. He has been generous.From working with contractors to sourcing rare California natives.Working with landscape architects on new breeds of design approaches, there is always something to learn and teach.Our organization culture gives me the creative freedom to continue to evolve my gardens and landscapes. #plantsarecool.”
Collage by Margarita Gallardo