Kudos and Recognition for St. Mary’s Clinicians
Love Award Nomination:
Joseph S. Harawi, MD, of Grand Mesa Nephrology was nominated by a grateful patient for the value "We are leaders in clinical excellence, delivering safe, best-in-quality care, We serve with empathy, caring for each patient, caregiver, and member with compassion and respect, We are partners in health, collaborating to keep people well."
The nomination stated, "Dr. Harawi clearly explained my disease to me and my husband. We were impressed by his knowledge, patience, and ability to ensure we understood how to manage my condition. This has given me added hope."
Shout-outs from Infectious Disease and ASP Pharmacy:
Alexandra Berguer, MD, for excellent documentation of asymptomatic bacteriuria
Brady Holdaway, MD, for asking ID PharmD to order an amoxicillin challenge on a 65-year-old patient with a reported penicillin allergy (rash as a child). He wanted to send her home with Augmentin for a pneumonia (low PEN-FAST Score). She passed! He effectively delabeled her penicillin allergy.
Letter from A Grateful Family: A Peaceful and Loving Goodbye
As one family recently reflected on the passing of their loved one, they shared a message of appreciation for the care received during her time at our hospital. Here are some excerpts:
“In the midst of such a difficult time, the compassion, professionalism, and humanity shown by the care team meant more than we can express.”
They commended the collaborative efforts of Ignacio Agustin De Cicco, MD, in cardiology and Nicole Piccirillo Tweedy, DO, in neurology, noting both were "thoughtful and attentive in their care, and we truly appreciated their expertise and clear communication.
The family shared special thanks to Emily Duethman, MD, the attending internal medicine physician, who, they said, “went above and beyond for both our loved one and our family.” Her empathy, patience, and presence — particularly with the patient’s spouse — left a lasting impact.
“She ensured his voice was heard, his questions answered, and his presence acknowledged with real kindness and respect. That kind of care can’t be taught—it’s simply who she is. The hospital—and the world—needs more physicians like her.”
They also extended their gratitude to several members of the nursing and CNA teams, thanking them for their attentive, gentle care and the comfort they provided during an emotional and challenging time.
“It takes a village to care for someone at the end of life, and we were lucky to have such a good one walking alongside us. Thank you for helping us give our loved one a peaceful and loving goodbye.”