Grateful Patients of Glendale Memorial
Joe Selph
Joe Selph knows the power of human connection. He goes out of his way to offer a smile or kind word to all who cross his path. He believes it makes the world a little bit nicer place. When Joe crossed paths with the Dignity Health – Glendale Memorial Hospital and Health Center Emergency Department (ED), his caregivers formed a human connection that became central to his recovery. It was a connection which would continue long after his release from the hospital.
Joe sought treatment at Glendale Memorial’s ED when he was experiencing lightheadedness, low blood pressure, and a high heart rate. He was in the midst of a heart attack.
“I was worried, but the staff was reassuring and explained everything that was going on. They were really fantastic. It’s that human touch that goes beyond just being nice.”
Joe underwent coronary angioplasty and stent placement, and received an automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator. During his hospitalization, he recalled the nurse who took the time to explain Joe’s medications before his discharge.
“It really blew me away,” he said. “I would have otherwise had to figure out all that information on my own. To me, that was an act of humankindness.”
Joe was so moved by his experience at Glendale Memorial Hospital, he spearheaded a fundraising campaign to acquire new equipment for the Cardiac Fitness Center, which provides monitored workouts and health education to cardiac patients. He wants to give back to the place that has given him so much, and to ensure that that Glendale Memorial can continue connecting with patients and keep hearts healthy. It's his way of making the world, and the gym a nicer place to be in.
Bette Ford
Hear Bette’s story of gratitude
Learn about Bette’s experience as a Glendale Memorial Hospital patient and why she is thankful for her doctor.
Jon Malachowski, MD
"From the moment I arrived at the GMH ER, I felt I was in loving hands. I was having an IMI (Inferior Myocardial Infarction). I was weak, scared, and diaphoretic, with unsteady gait. As a physician, I have had many patients in this same position, but never imagined it would be me.
I am used to being in control, and did not like my situation. I had much pain and opioid induced confusion. I lashed out as staff, and was very demanding. One RN, Chelsea from West Texas, set me straight, providing me with passionate care but not allowing me to overstep boundaries.
I have to thank Drs. O’Connor, Jubach, Roberts and Wen for their amazing teamwork and technical skills. I also thank Drs. Saran, Balian, Antaki, Habashy, Harunian and Shenassa for their excellent diagnostics and healing art that got me through a very rough patch.
I had excellent, compassionate care on the ward by support staff, notably Maricel, Will and Brian. Darryl helped me with living arrangements and Brian got me WiFi connection critical for my finances. There are so many others from Pharmacy, Dietary, Radiology, PT and OT among others that I have not mentioned who deserve credit, and thus leaves me overwhelmed with gratitude.
I owe GMH so much gratitude, it cannot be expressed. In an unexpected way, I have been reborn. I feel I am now a better person, and believe I will be a better husband, father, son, brother, friend and physician. I plan to stay connected to GMH and the GMH Foundation in some meaningful way, both from a personal and professional standpoint."
Glendale Memorial’s Undercover Patient
Letter from Rick Pendelton, Director of Undercover Boss:
I wanted to send you a letter saying how grateful I am to the staff of Glendale Memorial Hospital–and, yes, the entire staff.
I am the director of the CBS show, Undercover Boss. I have seen many CEOs go undercover to see what is really up inside their company. Of course, these CEOs want their organization to shine, but many times their business fall short.
I must say that EVERY member of the staff I ran into at Glendale Memorial Hospital was kind, positive, and well trained (that would be about 50 people). I did not run into one bad apple, not even a ripe apple! The nurses, the X-ray techs, the lab techs, security guards, admitting staff, emergency room staff, the guys who wheel you around at 2:00 a.m., the ladies who cleaned my room, Doctor Perez and Dr. Wong, were great.
If I could sum up one word that described your team – compassionate.
I especially am thankful for my late night nurse, Ruby. I had been vomiting for eight hours. I felt like I just wanted to die. She encouraged me, a force for positive momentum; her presence changed the trajectory of my status from sorry to hope. From fearing death to knowing I would get better.
Many thanks for being the captain of such a great team.
With much love, blessings and tears of gratitude.
Rick Pendleton