A Doctor and Nurse At Bellevue Recognized for Compassionate Care
New York City, NY – A dedicated physician and nurse team at NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue have been awarded for their commitment to providing exceptional care to New York City’s most vulnerable populations. Congratulations to Dr. Robert Pitts, Medical Director of the Pride Health Center, and Charles Yee, BSN, AMB-BC, a staff nurse at the Center, for receiving the prestigious 2024 Interprofessional Humanism in Healthcare Award.
This honor recognizes their exemplary collaboration in providing evidence-based primary care services to underserved communities, embodying the very essence of humanism in healthcare.
Hospital Leadership Celebrates Dedication to Service
“At Bellevue, we take pride in recognizing the remarkable collaboration between our physicians and nurses," said Nate Link, MD, Chief Medical Officer at NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue. "Their commitment to providing high-quality, evidence-based care while addressing the unique health needs of our LGBTQ+ patients is truly remarkable. Our entire Pride Health Center team deserves immense credit for this well-deserved recognition."
Dr. Pitts expressed his gratitude for the award, stating, "This recognition inspires me to continue making a tangible difference for the most vulnerable members of our community.”
Charles Yee echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of ensuring everyone has access to comprehensive healthcare, regardless of their background or ability to pay. “
“It’s an honor to receive this award, especially alongside my friend and colleague, Dr. Pitts.”
Omar Abedalrhman, EdD, RN, Chief Nursing Officer at Bellevue added, "We are overflowing with pride for Mr. Yee and Dr. Pitts. Their partnership exemplifies the power of interprofessional collaboration. We celebrate their unwavering commitment to providing exceptional care to our patients.”
Recognizing Partnership as the Foundation for Impact
The award, jointly presented by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), shines a spotlight on the importance of compassionate care and the crucial role nurses and physicians play in improving patient outcomes.
Dr. Deborah Trautman, AACN President and Chief Executive Officer, praised the award recipients, emphasizing their unwavering dedication to serving vulnerable communities.
“When healthcare [providers] build strong, caring relationships with their patients, this translates to better health outcomes,” Dr. Trautman explained.
The Gold Foundation’s Dr. Kathleen Reeves, MD, FAAP, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the power of human connection in healthcare: “We are delighted to celebrate this exceptional partnership. A strong doctor-nurse team built on mutual respect and trust truly cultivates healing relationships for everyone involved."
Bellevue’s Pride Health Center: Transforming Lives through
Access
The Pride Health Center at Bellevue, established in 2018 specifically to meet the unique needs of LGBTQ individuals and communities, is committed to providing a welcoming and affirming space for its patients.
This vital hub connects patients driven by diverse backgrounds with five dedicated primary care providers, a psychiatrist, and a clinical pharmacist specializing in gender-affirming hormone therapy. Serving nearly 400 patients, 20% of whom are uninsured. The Center speaks to the heart of serving all patients. A remarkable 20% speak languages other than English. The Center’s population primarily comprises individuals who identify as Black or Latino.
The Pride Health Center ensures every individual has access to world-class care regardless of ability to pay, demonstrating a profound commitment to equity in healthcare.
How have Dr. Pitts and Mr. Yee’s efforts advanced Bellevue’s commitment to serving vulnerable populations?
## Interview with Dr. Nate Link on Bellevue’s Compassionate Care Award Winners
**Interviewer:** Welcome Dr. Link. Thank you for joining us today.
**Dr. Link:** Thanks for having me.
**Interviewer:** Congratulations to you and the entire team at Bellevue on the recent Interprofessional Humanism in Healthcare Award given to Dr. Robert Pitts and Charles Yee. Could you tell us a little about what makes them and the work they do at the Pride Health Center so deserving of this recognition?
**Dr. Link:** Absolutely. At Bellevue, we’re deeply committed to providing exceptional care to all New Yorkers, especially our most vulnerable populations. Dr. Pitts and Mr. Yee are shining examples of this commitment. They demonstrate a true passion for serving our LGBTQ+ patients and ensuring they receive high-quality, evidence-based care that addresses their unique health needs. Their collaborative approach is truly commendable, and they embody the very essence of humanism in healthcare.
**Interviewer:** This award specifically highlights the power of interprofessional collaboration. Can you elaborate on how that dynamic plays out between Dr. Pitts and Mr. Yee in their work?
**Dr. Link:** Dr. Pitts and Mr. Yee are an incredible team. Their partnership allows them to combine their expertise – Dr. Pitts’ medical knowledge and Mr. Yee’s nursing perspective – to create truly holistic and patient-centered care. They communicate openly, respect each other’s insights, and work together seamlessly to provide the best possible experience for their patients.
**Interviewer:** This seems to go beyond just clinical care.
**Dr. Link:** You’re right. They understand that addressing the social determinants of health is crucial for their patients’ well-being. They advocate for their patients, connecting them with resources and support services to improve their overall health outcomes.
**Interviewer:** What does it mean for Bellevue to have a team like Dr. Pitts and Mr. Yee recognied in this way?
**Dr. Link:** It’s incredibly gratifying. It reinforces our belief in the power of collaboration and empathy in healthcare. It also inspires us to continue striving for excellence in everything we do. We hope their accomplishment will serve as an example for other healthcare professionals across the city and beyond, encouraging them to embrace humanistic values in their practice.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Link, for sharing your insights.
**Dr. Link:** It was my pleasure.
