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Celebrating Exceptional Care at Fenway Park
Kristen Liska Valente, MD, an Emergency Department Physician at Tobey Hospital, had the honor of throwing a first pitch at Fenway Park, recognizing the lifesaving work the Tobey Emergency Department team does every day.
Recently, Keith was on his way home from his daughter’s lacrosse game on Cape Cod with his friend and neighbor Jamie. As they arrived at the Bourne Bridge, Keith immediately knew something was not right and Jamie drove him straight to Tobey Hospital.
As Keith was being registered in the Emergency Department, he experienced a major cardiac event that required a full team approach.
“As I was waiting with him, everyone came running in and it was an immediate team response. They were extremely kind to me throughout the entire situation, and it was clear that everyone was in the business of saving his life,” said Jamie.
While the team worked to stabilize Keith, Jamie called Keith’s wife Amy to meet him at the hospital. She arrived, just as Dr. Liska Valente came to explain that Keith urgently needed to be med-flighted to another hospital for further treatment.
“When he went into cardiac arrest the whole team rushed in right away. Everyone did their part, and it was an amazing show of teamwork from all the staff in the Emergency Department. I am so proud of how everyone responded quickly to ensure we could take the best possible care of him,” said Dr. Liska Valente.
Ensuring that Jamie and Amy were on their way to meet Keith, Dr. Liska Valente continued to keep close tabs on his care.
“Dr. Liska Valente and her team saved his life, and they were extremely compassionate and understanding while we were waiting for the news,” said Jamie.
“What stood out to me the most was that she kept calling throughout the week to make sure Keith was OK. I found that really amazing, and everyone from Tobey who I talked to on the phone was wonderful as well. They all remembered me from his experience and took the time to answer my questions,” added Amy.
To show their gratitude, Amy found a way to invite Keith’s care team to a Red Sox vs Yankees game to throw a couple ceremonial first pitches before the game began. Because just like baseball, emergency medicine is often a team sport.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to thank everyone who cared for me that day. From my point of view, they could not have done anything better, and it saved my life,” said Keith.
