HPD Perspectives Magazine Summer/Fall 2019

36 | DR. PALLAVI PATEL COLLEGE OF HEALTH CARE SCIENCES PROGRAM NEWS PROGRAM News and Innovative NSU Alumna Celebrated for Cancer Patient Care BY PAMELA JAFFEY, M.D., FCAP Physician assistants are versatile in terms of their capability to practice in a broad range of medical specialties. Very few, however, work full time with hematology and oncology patients in a hospital setting. These patients often have complicated, life-threatening conditions. Many of themmust cope with first learning that they have cancer. Gerriann Meandro, B.S., PA-C, a graduate of the Fort Lauderdale/Davie Campus physician assistant class of 2001, is one of the first physician assistants to serve these patients in this role in southwest Florida. In 2009, the Florida Cancer Specialist Research Institute, the largest private cancer institute in south- west Florida, created a unique position for Meandro, who works primarily at one of the busiest hospitals in Fort Myers—Gulf Coast Medical Center. She also cross covers at Cape Coral Hospital, Health Park Hospital, and Lee Memorial Hospital. She is well equipped to handle the many challenges of her job because of her previous experience in cardiothoracic surgery, cardiology, emergency medicine, and internal medicine. Meandro, who is an outstanding athlete, starts the day with a run and never stops running at work. She reviews countless labs, radiologic images, and pathology reports, and then sees her patients. Throughout the day, she consults and admits patients from the emergency department. Meandro, who discusses each patient with her supervising physician, explained that her knowledge base expands considerably through this interaction. With all her responsibilities, Meandro always finds time to treat her patients with the utmost compassion as she discusses their latest test results and any recent changes in their health management. She listens patiently and thoroughly addresses their questions. “Knowledge is great, but empathy is key,” she stressed. “I try to get to know our patients, and many become lifelong friends.” Meandro's excellent communication and interper- sonal skills, which are invaluable with patients, also prove to be very beneficial in other settings. “As close to noon as possible, I join a hospital team meeting with the hospitalists, case managers, physical and occupational therapists, and administrators who follow the flow and events of each patient,” she explained. “Questions regarding the details and prognosis of our hematology and oncology patients are addressed to me so all disciplines present are aware of our plan.” Setting up outpatient visits for hospitalized patients at the Florida Cancer Specialist Research Institute upon hospital discharge is, as Meandro states, “a team effort to say the least.” Seeing to it that homeless and uninsured patients receive adequate outpatient care is especially difficult, but she perseveres until plans are in place. She is well known throughout her hospital for the high standard of care she provides to the cancer patients. Her service to the emergency department is prompt, as is her attendance to consults. She also collaborates well with other clinicians. In addition, her kindness and empathy are quite apparent. Inspirational