UW Health

"It's so important to take the time to meet each patient where they are, to try and help take as much fear and uncertainty out of what is happening to them," says physician assistant Jennifer Jarrett. "This approach also gives patients confidence in what we are doing and why we are doing things." Jennifer works in inpatient cardiology at University Hospital, where we are expanding our advanced practice provider teams to provide even better continuity of patient care with exponentially growing patient demand. Outside of her professional responsibilities, Jennifer spends time renovating her 1860s farmhouse and a reportedly, haunted barn.

The Great Apple Crunch is an event celebrated across the Great Lakes region, which includes Iowa, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. The Great Apple Crunch celebrates local agriculture by crunching into a fresh apple. We distribute apples and seasonal, apple-themed recipes at University Hospital and East Madison Hospital, inviting participants to enjoy a tasty apple snack and celebrate local produce and farmers. This year we distributed over 350 apples! The best part was getting to promote healthy eating while spending time with our amazing team. 🍏🍎 #GreatAppleCrunch

Working in the UW Health | Carbone Cancer Center’s Breast Imaging Center for 27 years, Becki Clark is well versed in the symptoms of breast cancer and the importance of routine mammograms. That experience took a personal focus earlier this year, when her annual screening led to a very early-stage diagnosis of breast cancer. https://uw.health/3NwLJJt

Nichole Warner, lost her life unexpectedly in December of 2022. In her 13 years of nursing at UW Health, she made an incredible and lasting impact on patients and her clinic teammates. One of her closest friends and colleagues had this to say about Nichole: “Nichole was an amazing leader. Her competence drew respect. In emergencies, people instinctively turned to her because they just knew that she knew what to do. She was brilliant, and used her brilliance to educate patients, families and team members, and to take phenomenal care of patients. Nichole was a crusader for excellence in patient-centered care. In the infectious disease clinic, we have a greater than average number of patients who are vulnerable, including those from groups that have historically been underserved. Nichole always went the extra mile to advocate for and lift the voices of these patients, always with the utmost compassion and understanding. Nichole was a skillful teacher and phenomenal mentor who trained many nurses. Nicole had entered school to become a nurse practitioner and of course, she excelled at her course work. With her phenomenal skill set she could have done anything.” In honor and memory of her exceptional contributions to patient care and the difference she made in so many lives, Nichole posthumously received a 2024 Nurse Excellence Award.

This week, we celebrated the opening of UW Health Eastpark Medical Center. This 475,000-square-foot, 7-story building is the largest medical facility to be completed in the United States in 2024. It will be home to more than 600 staff upon opening. Learn more about this remarkable new facility: https://uw.health/4dPOoZo

In moments of crisis, whether it's a heart attack or a sudden illness like pneumonia, Dr. Brittney Bernardoni is a steady, compassionate presence. She listens attentively to her patients, seeking to understand not only their symptoms but also their fears and concerns. With an exceptional blend of empathy and cutting-edge medical expertise, she ensures that each patient receives the highest standard of care. In 2024, Dr. Bernardoni was honored with the Physician Excellence Rising Star Leadership Award, a testament to her innovative contributions to patient care and her unwavering commitment to excellence. Reflecting on her journey, Dr. Bernardoni shares, "As a physician, I am able to combine my interest in the human body with my passion for constant learning and team-based problem-solving."

Doug hit a significant milestone more than 13 years after he was first diagnosed with a rare form of sarcoma that affects the spine and base of the skull. Last week, Doug received his 100th infusion of immunotherapy as part of a clinical trial he began at UW Health | Carbone Cancer Center 8 years ago. When he first joined the clinical trial in October 2016, his cancer had become metastatic and there were no other approved treatment options left. Doug qualified for this immunotherapy clinical trial because his tumor had genetic characteristic that made it sensitive to this type of treatment. Fortunately for Doug, the treatment had an immediate benefit for him without noticeable side effects. His cancer has not shown new growth since he started the clinical trial, and he enjoys a healthy, active lifestyle. In addition to his monthly treatments, Doug exercises, follows a healthy diet, takes care of his spiritual wellness and makes sure to spend time with friends and family. “There are so many factors that affect well-being, so I try to put all of those in place, and the icing on the cake has been the immunotherapy,” Doug says. “I have tremendous respect for the team at Carbone—they’re all very supportive, and I’m really appreciative of all of the care that I’m getting.”

Sue Wolfe is the embodiment of a “fearless leader,” according to a close colleague. She has served UW Health for four decades and has been a staple in the emergency department, with staff often coming to her for advice, help and clinical knowledge. Sue's colleague went on to say: “When beds are full, the waiting room is full, and the ambulances keep coming, Sue comes up with innovative ways to keep patients and staff safe. She is THE expert at solving this intricately complex puzzle and has become one of our most effective leaders in this role. Sue also empowers the nurses she is working with by supporting their needs and finding creative ways for them to deliver remarkable care. In the thick of the COVID-19 pandemic, the emergency department was flooded with food donations and messages of kindness from the community. Sue decided to pay this generosity forward by organizing a fundraiser that raised more than $8,000 for the Dane County Food Pantry Network. When she was asked to comment by a local media outlet, she simply stated that she "feels lucky to have a job where she is able to help others." Sue received a 2024 Nurse Excellence Award because of her exceptional contributions to patient- and family-centered care, and the support she provides to nurses and other care team members.

UNIDOSWI was formed by a group of volunteers committed to helping Latinx/e survivors of domestic violence access local services in 1996. While domestic violence was a serious problem within the Latinx/e migrant and immigrant community in Wisconsin, particularly in rural settings, local service providers did not have the culturally relevant and bilingual resources needed to work with Latinx/e victims. “We carry our values to service, compassion, collaboration and social justice in our work with the community. Guided by our mission and fueled by the unwavering dedication of our volunteers, staff and supporters, we have continued to uplift, empower and inspire those in need, even in the face of unprecedented challenges,” said Virginia Gittens Escudero, Executive Director. Today, UNIDOS is recognized as a leader and resource for a variety of agencies around the state working with Latinx/e victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking. UNIDOS also supports individuals though a bilingual helpline available 24/7 and counseling services, trained legal and general support advocates. In 2023, UNIDOS provided more than 15,000 hours of free, confidential, bilingual programming and support to 2,000 people. They also gave out $50,000 in emergency aid to victims fleeing abuse and accompanied 200+ survivors to court. As we recognize the month of September as Latinx Heritage Month, UW Health reaffirms its commitment to support UNIDOS and their important work to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the Latinx/e community throughout Wisconsin.