Honor Your Caregiver

Sarah Babcock

Cardiology
UConn John Dempsey Hospital

I needed an aortic valve replacement. Sarah was present and involved in every appointment leading up to the surgery, as well as in the hospital, post-surgery. She was always so knowledgeable, conversational and caring. She acted as a very important liason and voice for Drs. Siegenthaler and Dahal. Her team was incredible as well: Nicole, who was with me in the office visits, as well as in the operating room. The Hospital Nurses were amazing. So kind and caring. I really appreciate everything they did... Kellie (night nurse) Ayza (day nurse) I also wanted to recognize Dr's. Siegenthaler & Dahal. Incredible care from both of them. They also displayed a level of humanity which I hadn't experienced the first time I had my aortic valve replaced in 2009. I'll forever be grateful for their expertise and kindness. The team in the operating were also amazing. I don't recall all of their names, but everyone was so professional and caring. I felt like I mattered to them. I know they do this all day, but I was truly blown away by all of them.

Other caregiver stories

“It was reassuring to have a great team at UConn. It was a lot to deal with, but Neurology, Cardiology and Maternal Fetal Medicine were all super great and met regularly to provide me updates.” – Ashley Derungs-West.

Neurology, Cardiology and Maternal Fetal Medicine Teams
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“The first time I met Dr. Chang I told my husband, ‘I know I am in good hands’. I love that woman, she is so good to me, so caring and concerned and always positive.” – Terry Deely, breast cancer survivor

Yueming Chang, MD, Operating Room
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I came to UConn with what initially appeared to be a routine case of appendicitis. Unfortunately, it turned out to be more complex and ultimately required an ileocecectomy. As a patient, unexpected complications bring confusion, anxiety, and even fear. In those moments of uncertainty, you hope for answers, clarity, and reassurance. Dr. Louisy was the rock in the storm. Not only did he perform an excellent job in the operating room, but he also went above and beyond during my recovery. Over the week following my surgery, he spent time with me in my hospital room, patiently and thoughtfully answering my many questions. At one point, he even drew a diagram on the whiteboard to help me better understand the procedure. I can only imagine how busy Dr. Louisy's days were, yet he still took the time to ensure I felt informed, supported, and cared for. That level of compassion and dedication made all the difference in the world. I am recovering well and am deeply grateful for the care he provided.

Craig Louisy, General Surgery
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In a matter of 4 weeks I was transported by ambulance (they refused to transport to UCONN) to 2 hospital emergency rooms, saw my cardiologist and my PCP 3 times. I had fallen unconscious 3 times during the night BP 80/60, fever, chills, confusion, short of breath, not eating, sleeping 18+ hours per day. We have have always had wonderful experience with my husbands doctors at UCONN. My husband brought me to UCONN Emergency Room (8/5) where I was treated by Dr. Barr. He listened, cared and made me feel comfortable. Within 11 hours he took a large amount of blood test, x-rays, Antibiotic, IV fluid, and CAT Scans. On 8/9 I received a call from UCONN stating that the last culture had come in and was diagnosed with Anaplasmosis from a tick bite and given 7 days of doxycycline. I am 73 yrs. old and could have died if not for Dr. Barr. This was all due to Dr. Barr's persistence and dedication to medicine. I will forever remember this incredible man and brilliant doctor. Dr. Barr's dedication and warmth go far beyond the call of duty. UCONN is so lucky to have him as doctor. Eternally grateful to Dr. Barr, Emergency Room Staff & UCONN Farmington.

Matthew Barr, Emergency Medicine
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For Dr. Waddington I first encountered Dr. Waddington during one of the most difficult seasons of my life. After navigating a healthcare system that too often left me feeling unseen — providers who lacked the necessary knowledge, or simply did not offer the compassionate engagement that is so essential to true care — she was different from the very beginning. Dr. Waddington was the first doctor to truly see me. To look beyond the surface, understand my pain and my condition, and commit to working with me over time. Because of her dedication, I have been able to reclaim my quality of life and, more than that, reclaim my joy. The ways she has helped me and my family are difficult to capture in words. I do not say lightly that she has saved my life — and by extension, has profoundly shaped the wellbeing of my entire family. As I prepare to leave Connecticut, I carry her with me. She will always represent the highest standard of what healthcare can and should be — knowledgeable, engaged, and deeply caring. Dr. Waddington, thank you. You will not be forgotten.

Erica Waddington , Family Medicine
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