UW Health

The Briarpatch Youth Services, Inc. Teens Like Us Program (TLU) provides support and education for queer youth ages 13-18. Founded more than 20 years ago, TLU serves youth across Wisconsin and provides a safe, brave place for queer and questioning youth to meet with their peers. The TLU support group is a “chill” space for youth to support one another, make new friends, socialize and engage in casually structured activities, and meet guest speakers from the community. Briarpatch also offers a Queer 101 training to youth-serving agencies, schools and others looking to learn and grow. “TLU has created an amazing open space for me to share and ask for help, and also to support my peers. It’s a wonderful space not only for support, but also for sharing joy,” says one teen. UW Health is proud to support Briarpatch and LGBTQIA2+ youth and teens as an extension of our commitment to provide inclusive, affirming care as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader and to create a healthier community for all.

More than 30 years ago, Neelam Shrestha, BSN, RN, immigrated from Nepal to Wisconsin with the dream of becoming a nurse. After finishing one year of English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, she attended nursing school. Despite the hardship and struggles she went through due to the language barrier; she stayed focused on her studies and persevered. Neelam graduated in 1995, all while seven months pregnant with her second child. At the start of her nursing career, she worked in a variety of positions, until her dream job became available at UW Health in 2003. Neelam loves being able to make an impact on her patients. She says, “I try to be the best nurse I can be every single day. I strongly believe that the genuine care I provide for each unique patient is what sets me apart. I prioritize establishing a therapeutic relationship with my patients and take time to get to know them as a human being, and not just a patient in the hospital. I make sure that I always listen empathetically to my patients and provide care with dignity and respect. By doing this, I can cater to each of my patient’s individualized needs.” In 2013, Neelam transferred to the inpatient psychiatric unit at University Hospital. She says, “It can be difficult to establish a therapeutic relationship with a patient that may have a history of trauma or distrust in the healthcare system, but I have found it extremely motivating to connect with these patients and provide a safe space for them to begin to heal and recover. I feel like I can truly make a difference in not just the patient’s hospital stay, but also in their life overall.” Neelam’s remarkable care truly shines through with each patient interaction. She recently received the DAISY Award for demonstrating extraordinary compassion for patients and their families. Throughout her career at UW Health, she has received more than 500 DAISY Award nominations! Congratulations! You are amazing and we’re lucky to have you on our team! 🎉

Today marks a special day of commemoration and celebration! We proudly raised the Juneteenth Flag, honoring the end of chattel slavery and the enduring symbol of freedom it represents. But today isn't just about reflecting on history; it's about celebrating the vibrant tapestry of Blackness and Black life. Join us in recognizing the resilience, strength, and invaluable contributions of the Black and African American community. Their sacrifices and talents enrich our community in countless ways. Let's stand together in unity and celebration, not just today, but every day. We're proud to stand with you.

Kayla Foster is a nurse in the Inpatient Operating Room at American Family Children’s Hospital whose team player attitude makes her a rising star among nurses at UW Health. One of her colleagues said this about Kayla: “Within the surgical specialty team, Kayla manages emergency situations with ease. She is regularly praised for her willingness to help others and her commitment to quality patient care. Kayla collaborates with team members and fosters a culture of mutual support and shared success. Kayla’s eagerness to learn is evident by taking on more challenging roles in the department; creating a handbook for newer staff to reference and volunteering to cross train in other areas to be as diverse and dynamic of a nurse as possible.” Kayla received a 2024 Nurse Excellence Award because of her exceptional contributions to patient- and family-centered care, and the support she provides to nurses and other care team members.

During Pride Month, we embrace the opportunity to celebrate with our LGBTQIA2S+ colleagues. From the Stonewall Riots to marriage equality, Madison Flatman says it is a time to celebrate and reflect on history. "Our movement has been rocky at times but so much has changed, even in the last 10-20 years. I’m so happy to be gay and to be able to openly share my love for my girlfriend, for my other LGBTQIA2S+ friends, and for my friends and family who are strong allies. I’m happy to be able to indulge myself in so much LGBTQIA2S+ media from music to television shows to movies. I’m happy to be here in 2024 and be able to see all the progress we’ve made.” She started her career at UW Health as a patient scheduling specialist and used the UW Health tuition reimbursement program to study communications and professional writing. Now she’s using those skills on the Patient and Family Education team, editing health education materials. She approaches her role with inclusivity in mind whether it’s using gender neutral terminology or ensuring content can be understood by all patients. She hopes in years down the line, we don’t have communication barriers, “Everyone can be heard and understood regardless of who they are, who they love, what they identify as, where they came from, what language they speak, what gender they are, and so on. I feel hurt that despite all the progress we have made there are still people out there who don’t share this same value. If you are reading this and you feel misunderstood, I want you to know how absolutely amazing you are. I will continue to advocate and fight for your right.”

As a former athlete, Dre Williams Sr., BSN, RN, has been on many teams. But, he says the team at the Oncology Clinic is one of the best. -- Come work for UW Health | Carbone Cancer Center - the only comprehensive cancer center in the state of Wisconsin - as designated by the National Cancer Institute! Visit https://ow.ly/IWvw50RNWwP to learn more and apply.

Our workforce and the patients we serve include people from all backgrounds and identities. We embrace the opportunity to celebrate with our the LGBTQIA2S+ community of staff, faculty and patients!

Sally was 95 when she was diagnosed with invasive bladder cancer in August 2019. Dr. Kyle Richards, a specialist in urologic oncology at UW Health | Carbone Cancer Center, presented the same treatment options to Sally that he would to a younger patient. Sally could either pursue no treatment, start chemotherapy, or have a radical cystectomy—a surgical procedure that involves removing the bladder and diverting urine through an ileal conduit made of a section of small intestine. The ileal conduit passes urine through Sally’s abdominal wall and into a collection bag outside of her body. Sally was willing to pursue the surgery. “I was a nurse, so I understand the procedure,” Sally says. “And, I was treated very well.” Dr. Richards strongly believes in eliminating ageism from health care and not withholding treatment based on a patient’s age. Sally’s success shows all treatments should be considered for every patient. “We are pushing the boundaries in treatments for cancer,” Richards says. “As the population ages, we need to be innovative, creative and courageous in the treatment plans we offer whether that be surgical, medical or radiation based.” Sally is now four years out from her surgery and recently celebrated her 100th birthday. Her key to a long life is formulating good habits and living life to the fullest. “Have faith and hope. Everything will work out for the best,” Sally says. “I am a strong person because of my positive attitude. A healthy mind leads to a healthy life.”

Working at a Level 1 Trauma Center and Comprehensive Stroke Program – Randi Davis, MSN, NP, APP supervisor – treats adults with serious neurological illnesses in our Neuroscience ICU in Madison, WI. Randi uses state-of-the-art technology to treat the most complex trauma and stroke cases in the state – something most won’t experience throughout their entire career at other organizations. -- Consider joining our remarkable advanced practice provider team. You may be eligible for up to $10,000 sign-on bonus and relocation assistance.

After moving from the Philippines more than 20 years ago for her nursing position at UW Health, Christine Abong and her husband Francis, who works as a medical assistant, are filled with pride that their daughters Frances Christylle and Katrina Ella decided to become nurses. Their daughters choose the UW Health Nurse Residency Program, making them a full-fledged UW Health family. They share a passion for healing, which further strengthens Christine’s commitment to making a positive impact in health care. “I try to be honest with my children and tell them that nursing is not an easy job, and it’s not for the weak of heart. But you get to take care of someone and give kindness and compassion. When you see what your actions can do for someone else and they are appreciating you, you’ve already won, because you are making a difference in their lives,” says Christine. Pictured (left to right): Francis, Frances Christylle, Katrina Ella and Christine Abong.