She values a healthcare experience built on meaningful connection and the kind of trust that comes from providers who tailor her care to her unique needs. That’s why she nominated Southcoast Health providers, J. Tessa Draper, MD, a primary care physician, Maryanne Noris, MD, a cardiologist, and Daniel Sousa, MD, a pulmonologist to become Southcoast Stars through the Grateful Patient Program.

Kathleen, a long-time Southcoast Health patient, now splits her time between Massachusetts and Florida and knows the system well. She’s a founding member of the Southcoast Health Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) and has dedicated the last 15 years to helping others navigate their own medical care. Kathleen says what sets Southcoast Health physicians apart is their willingness to partner with their patients.

“They help coordinate my care even when I’m in Florida. It’s comforting to know that distance doesn’t get in the way,” she explained. “They’ve given me the kind of relationship people used to have with doctors who made house calls, and I wouldn’t want anyone else caring for me.”

Her pulmonologist, Dr. Sousa, has walked alongside her as she’s learned to live with lung disease. “He explains everything, stays up to date, and supports me as a whole person – not just a patient with a diagnosis.”

Dr. Noris, her cardiologist of 24 years, has been a constant source of reassurance. “She’s the most respectful physician I’ve ever worked with,” she says. “She goes the extra step and manages my care like I’m family.”

And Dr. Draper, her primary care physician, makes Kathleen feel respected and included in every step of her care. “She takes the time to answer my questions, she’s a true partner in care, and she works with me through MyChart and everything in between,” she says.

As a patient, Kathleen is most impressed by the seamless coordination among all three providers, who work together as an integrated care team to manage her health. Southcoast Health’s ability to connect its providers so effectively gives Kathleen peace of mind, knowing she’s supported by a team that’s truly working in sync. She is proud to thank them for helping her live a full and confident life, even from hundreds of miles away. “I feel like part of the team,” she says. “They listen to my input, and they teach me to advocate for myself.”

Kathleen says her children know how seriously she takes her health – and why she always chooses Southcoast Health. “I really don’t think I could find better doctors anywhere,” she says. “You don’t have to go far for exceptional care. The reliability I have with them gives me the confidence to travel, enjoy life, and know that I’m never far from home.”

Looking ahead, she’s also excited about the new Southcoast Health Urgent Care opening in Taunton.

“That’s just one more reason to be proud of the care we have right here. Southcoast Health has given me peace of mind, and that’s priceless.”

If you’d like to honor a Southcoast Health caregiver with an impactful thank you, please visit www.southcoast.org/the-grateful-patient-program/.