UW Health

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.

Nicole Butterbaugh has been a patient navigation coordinator in our breast program for 9 years. Having had loved ones who received breast cancer diagnoses inspired her to be a part of supporting this patient population. Nicole helps patients access information to guide them through all stages of treatment and survivorship. In addition to working directly with patients, she participates in community outreach and educational events and coordinates the Peer Support Advocate Program. This program, now in its 11th year, matches current breast cancer patients with breast cancer survivors for another level of support during treatment. To help alleviate anxiety over initial appointments at the Breast Center, Nicole emphasizes that a whole team of doctors, nurses and support staff are there to create a treatment and support plan customized to them. Patients are provided with options and information to put them in control of their treatment plan. No matter the need, the full care team is there to make them feel comfortable and confident. When she is not working, Nicole enjoys reading and spending time with her family.

Whether you're seeking a clinical or non-clinical position, we’re hiring people who are ready to put our patients and their families at the center of providing remarkable care. Join us on October 2, for an opportunity to talk with recruiters about jobs at UW Health. You may receive an interview on-the-spot. Learn more and fill out an application prior to attending the event: https://lnkd.in/gtzX-9Na

Advanced practice providers (APPs) are professionals who undergo specialized training and possess unique skills that allow them to perform medical tasks typically carried out by a physician. These dedicated individuals include nurse practitioners, physician assistants, certified nurse midwives, anesthesiologist assistants and certified registered nurse anesthetists, who all serve as an invaluable part of our health care system. September 23 – 27 is National APP Week, a time to recognize and appreciate the remarkable contributions of our APPs. If a UW Health APP has positively impacted your life or the life of a loved one, we would love to hear from you. Please take a moment to share a personal note of thanks and help us show our APPs how much they are appreciated for their, hard work, skill and compassion: https://uw.health/4ewhU74

Corey Gilbertson started at UW Health as a nursing assistant. Soon after, he went back to school to become a registered nurse—setting his sights on several pivotal nursing roles—and now serving as a trusted colleague in the cardiothoracic surgery unit. A team member of Corey's had this to say: “Corey is quick to learn and excited to share his knowledge with others. He is often someone our newer staff identify as a leader early on. Corey often seeks out opportunities to grow his knowledge and clinical skills, asking which patients they are concerned about and what he can do to help. Corey checks in with his colleagues to ensure they have what they need to be successful and give our patients the care they deserve.” Corey received a 2024 Nurse Excellence Award because of his exceptional contributions to patient- and family-centered care, and the support he provides to nurses and other care team members.

As an international student at UW-Stevens Point, Juan Cabrera Abarca found it difficult to access quality healthcare. Today as the UW Health Telehealth Manager, he is a champion for using technology to make quality health care more accessible and equitable. One of Juan's main priorities is to educate patients about the different virtual care options available such as video appointments for scheduled appointments and on-demand urgent care, e-visits through MyChart, tele ophthalmology for diabetic eye screening and tele consultations between providers. When UW Health Eastpark Medical Center opens later this year, it will include a Health Technology Center similar to an Apple Genius Bar, with a dedicated Senior Service Desk Specialist to help patients navigate MyChart, use the new wayfinding app Nexxus, and learn about digital health at UW Health. Juan’s career at UW Health began in 2015 as a Medical Laboratory Scientist at East Madison Hospital. He earned his MBA with concentrations in health care IT and leadership from Johns Hopkins University and worked his way up into leadership roles. Serving as co-chair of the UW Health Latinx Employee Resource Group is a way for him to be part of a community, promote cultural awareness, support personal development and meet other Latinx at UW Health. “As my career advances, my sense of accountability and advocacy continues to grow. I thrive under the idea that I can help guide a conversation and make sure that people have a safe space where they feel open to share, as well as embrace career growth and mentorship. Hopefully, others will think – ‘If he can do it, I can, too’,” Juan shares. Juan is from Peru and his wife is from Wisconsin. Celebrating Latinx Heritage Month is an opportunity for their two children to understand their dual heritage, as well as spark a community conversation. As he says: “Latinx Heritage Month is an important opportunity for all of us to talk about it as a community, as an organization and as people.” We are proud to celebrate the contributions of our Latinx community during Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month (September 15-October 15).

For Jennifer Williams, BSN, RN, nursing runs in the family. As a kid, Jennifer’s mother and grandmother would tell her stories about the patients they helped throughout their nursing careers. In college, Jennifer worked at UW Health as an information assistant. As she would walk through the inpatient units, she got a glimpse of what it would be like to be a nurse and decided to pursue that as a career. 16 years later, now as a care team leader in TLC, she has the pleasure of sharing some of her nursing experiences with her mother and grandmother. She also found out that her great-grandmother was a nurse too! Jennifer says, “Being a nurse means being able to ask more questions and understand what is happening on a more complex level. It means I can advocate for my patients and family when they are going through health challenges and may need someone to speak up for them. It means I can support and reassure them no matter what the outcome will be.” Jennifer says it’s her remarkable TLC team that keeps her coming back every day. “We see the sickest patients and have been through some of the most difficult times together. I work with a team of some of the smartest, most compassionate, hard-working, resilient people. I can't imagine working anywhere else.”

Exciting news! Barriques is now open in Towne Square at University Hospital. ☕️ What's your go-to drink order?

Dr. Hani Kuttab's journey into medicine was inspired by a blend of personal experiences and a deep-seated desire to serve others, especially those from underserved, marginalized communities. "Health care, especially emergency care, seemed to be a way to make the greatest impact on people's day-to-day lives, and once I witnessed the impact of my ability to positively contribute to one's individual well-being, I knew medicine was right for me," Dr. Kuttab says. As the emergency department's medical director at East Madison Hospital, Dr. Kuttab is most fulfilled in his collaborations with other specialties to guide patients through their health care journey during and after their visit to the emergency room. Additionally, Dr. Kuttab is fellowship-trained in advanced emergency medicine ultrasound. He regularly teaches and utilizes point-of-care ultrasound in his daily practice to enhance his care and workup of critically ill patients. Recently recognized with a Physician Excellence Award in the Rising Star in Clinical Practice category, his innovative approaches have transformed patient care, particularly for those living with sickle cell anemia, which affects 8-10% of African Americans. Dr. Kuttab's gift for making people feel seen and supported has made him an extraordinary agent for change.