In recognition for his extraordinary efforts to accommodate a patient’s needs, Jeffrey Gaca, MD, Associate Professor of Surgery, Division of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, has received the Strength, Hope, and Caring Physician Award from Duke University Hospital.
This award honors employees who go the extra mile for patients or colleagues, embodying the core values of the organization by providing “Strength to people when they are suffering, Hope to the people we serve, and Care, even beyond the clinical sense of the word.” Award recipients have made a significant difference in the lives of a patient, patient’s family, or colleague.
Dr. Gaca went beyond the call for a patient whose surgery needed to be rescheduled for two weeks after their planned date. Upon learning that the patient could not make arrangements for the rescheduled surgery, Dr. Gaca rearranged his surgery schedule for the week to fit in the patient’s surgery two days later. Dr. Gaca then offered to pay for the patient’s hotel room to make up for the inconvenience of having to reschedule.
Dr. Gaca was nominated for the award by Rebecca Szostak, RN. Rebecca says, "His actions make me proud to work with such compassionate and talented doctors. He really made a huge effort to help his patient and left them with a great first impression of our hospital."
Dr. Lisa Pickett, Chief Medical Officer of Duke University Hospital, presented the award to Dr. Gaca in a surprise ceremony on December 4.
Do you know someone who has gone above and beyond?
Visit the Strength, Hope, and Caring Award website to nominate them for the award.