New to California, patient thanks PCC employee for thoughtful traffic directions

When she moved to California from Atlanta, Georgia, Donna Pearson already knew the value of an academic medical institution. She has been a health care administrator for 44 years.

She tried to establish care at UC Davis Health, but primary care at the Davis clinic was closed to new patients at the time.

Then while on a call with the Patient Contact Center about her options, Pearson met Noemi Vidales. The patient services representative offered the new patient additional clinic locations, provider options and gender preferences.

“She made me feel valued. I’m excited to be seen at Davis,” said Pearson.

Vidales was friendly, patient and professional. She even informed the Georgia transplant about typical traffic to the Elk Grove clinic, and recommended she allow some extra time.

“Since our initial telephone conversation, I have seen my primary care physician assistant, and as a result, I have three appointments scheduled next week for transition-of-care purposes,” she said. “The kindness of one person can have a large impact in ways they may never know.”

Pearson even signed up for the All of Us program, the National Institutes of Health’s expansive research project.

“It’s rewarding to receive such an amazing compliment from a patient,” said Vidales. “As a PCC member, we strive to connect with patients over the phone with kindness, empathy, and maintain good communication to ensure they are heard and understood. I'm thankful for the recognition and proud to serve UC Davis Health.”

The Small Dose, Big Impact series recognizes employees who take the extra step, however tiny, to make meaningful connections with patients. Better health takes more than health care. Believe in better.