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Even before his shift started, Matthew Calvarese offered to demonstrate the procedure and find a safer way and more convenient time for the patient to get to the appointment.

UVA Health University Medical Center Chief Operating Officer Min Lee, MHA, MBA, and BEE Award Committee Vice Chair Victoria Gibbons surprised Matthew Calvarese, Lead Tech, Nuclear Medicine, with a BEE (Being Excellent Everyday) Award for going above and beyond.

Jeri Pugh, BSN, RN, nominated Calvarese:

"I am honored to nominate Matthew Calvarese for a staff recognition award for his exceptional dedication, compassionate care, and outstanding teamwork.

"I was asked to reach out to a patient who had numerous questions and significant anxiety about an upcoming nuclear cardiac stress PET [positron emission tomography] study [noninvasive imaging test that evaluates the heart's blood flow and function]. My expertise lies more in radiopharmaceutical therapy, so I sought assistance from one of the most reliable resources in our department, Matthew Calvarese. Without hesitation, Matthew agreed to join the call and provide support.

"The patient expressed extreme claustrophobia and initially doubted her ability to undergo the study. Matthew immediately took charge, explaining the entire process from start to finish. He detailed the duration the patient's face would be under the scanner and reassured her about the maximum time team members might not be at her side during the CT [computed tomography] imaging. He also described the medication used to stress the heart and the availability of a reversal agent to stop quickly any adverse effects. This information comforted the patient who had previously experienced chest tightness and anxiety during a similar procedure at another facility.

"Matthew went above and beyond by explaining the science behind how caffeine reduces the medication's effects and how the reversal agent works almost instantly. He emphasized the importance of the study for assessing the functionality of the patient's stent and visualizing the heart's microvessels, highlighting that this test is the best non-invasive method available.

"Recognizing the patient's lingering anxiety, Matthew offered to meet her at the UVA Health Emily Couric Clinical Cancer Center before his shift to show her the PET machine in person and explain its operation. He even volunteered to demonstrate the procedure himself to further alleviate her fears. Additionally, he addressed the patient's concerns about the early appointment time and her need for a ride due to taking anti-anxiety medication. Matthew managed to reschedule her appointment to a more convenient afternoon slot next month.

"Matthew's actions exemplify his unwavering commitment to patient care and his willingness to support his colleagues. His compassionate approach, professionalism, and dedication make him truly deserving of this recognition."

Know a Deserving Team Member?

Every month, the Nursing Professional Governance Organization (NPGO) honors up to two UVA Health University Medical Center team members with the BEE Award, which recognizes UVA Health University Medical Center team members who work alongside our nurses to impact patients' experiences — just as bees and flowers depend on one another. Submit a nomination.