Speaker: Alexis Chase, CVIR Operations Manager
What do you love the most about working for Adventist HealthCare?
Alexis Chase: The thing I love most about working for Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center is that it affords me the opportunity to give back to the community in which I grew up. Both cardiac disease and stroke have affected members of my family. So I have a very strong passion for the work we do in CVIR.
Can you tell us what it is like to work for the CardioVascular and Interventional Radiology unit?
Alexis Chase: The work in CVIR is extremely rewarding. We serve patients with a variety of different health concerns. Some of our patients have newly diagnosed disease processes while others come from more therapeutic procedures that are focused on comfort care. Our most urgent or emergent procedures may be for patients having an acute MI, stroke, pulmonary embolism or an ischemic peripheral event. We work together as a team to render the much needed interventions. This team is in the business of saving lives, saving limbs and restoring quality of life.
What is a day in the life like on this team?
Alexis Chase: A typical day for us consists of a morning huddle to establish a plan for the day and to proactively address any potential challenges we may face as a team. We usually start our first case around 8 a.m. and our case mix varies from day to day as we make every effort to care for patients needing our services. The team usually finishes the day around 5:30 then we have a team of technologists, nurses and physicians on call to cover urgent or emergent procedures after hours and weekends.
What is one thing you would like to share to someone who is joining this team?
Alexis Chase: In joining this team, you'll gain a wealth of knowledge related to invasive sweet procedures and patient care. We have experienced technologists, nurses and physicians who are always willing to impart their knowledge for the team. In addition, we have monthly educational conferences led by our physician partners to help support team growth. If you're in health care to make a difference in the lives of others. CVIR is for you. The gratification that comes with this work is overwhelming and unmatched.
