Employee bursts spine in car accident and receives life-altering surgery
(SACRAMENTO)
On Oct. 3, 2023, Patient Relations received an email with the subject line ‘COMPLIMENTS’ from Sandra Salas, an executive assistant at UC Davis Health. It read:
“Good morning,
"In this picture I was unable to walk and I literally rolled to the floor from driver seat. This is where I landed. I was trying to crawl to the road but was unable to move." — Sandra Salas
“My name is Sandra and I work in the Cardiothoracic Surgery department here at the Med Center. On May 12, I was driving to work and unexpectedly was in a car accident.
“I live in Elk Grove in a very rural area where dairy farms are located. Not much traffic passes through the roads unless you have business with dairy farms. I tried to avoid a critter and was not able to stop in time, so the decision made at that moment proved to be life altering.
“I missed the oak tree directly in my path and somehow my SUV rested next to it. However, the berm just before my landing proved to be the destructive factor in bursting my T12 spine.
“I was rushed to the hospital where Dr. Hai V. Le was able to successfully execute an extremely complex T10-L1 fusion without complications.
"This is me the day after my T10-L1 fusion surgery, sitting up and taking my first walk." — Sandra Salas
“I was fortunate enough to work for the best hospital in Northern California, I didn’t realize how well trained and equipped the ER and Spine team were. Dr. Hai V. Le and his team were astounding.
“I was given exceptional care and respect throughout the entire experience from admission to discharge. I was informed of every action, and educated in areas unknown to me with such precise communication.
“I am beyond grateful for UC Davis Med Center and the people who work here because the alternative to this outcome would have been beyond devastating. Thank you.”
When contacted to share her story, Sandra responded, “Absolutely! And please let it be known that UC Davis Spine is an incredible team.”
"This is me 3 weeks post-op with a brace and feeling so grateful to my surgery team for working a miracle. The UC Davis Spine Trauma Team saved my life in more ways than they will ever know." — Sandra Salas
"This picture is one year post-op and I am super happy!" — Sandra Salas
Sandra’s story, and several others, are considered Believe in Better moments—real stories from our patients about how employees have gone above and beyond in providing excellent care. These stories highlight how our values and mission come to life when we Believe in Better.
In the coming weeks, you can return to the Believe in Better moments page as a resource for new stories that inspire you to bring your best to work and take pride in being part of UC Davis Health.
