Plattsburgh, NY – When people come to the hospital, they're often facing more than a medical challenge. They may be carrying fear, uncertainty or circumstances that make an already difficult situation even harder.

For one patient at University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital, those circumstances included arriving without any personal belongings.

In addition to focusing on the patient’s clinical needs, Billie Pearl, an occupational therapist at the hospital, saw a person who deserved comfort, dignity and a sense of normalcy during a difficult time.

After learning the patient was unhoused and had been admitted without their belongings, Pearl took action. On her own time, she worked to locate the patient’s personal items and brought them to the hospital.

The gesture wasn't part of a treatment plan, but it made all the difference for the patient.

According to Kalie Leduc, a physical therapist who works with Pearl, the moment reflects the compassion Pearl brings to her work every day.

“Billie truly embodies ‘patients first,’” Leduc says. “She goes above and beyond for all her patients, consistently treating each person with compassion, dignity and respect.”

Leduc adds Pearl is known for taking extra time with patients to ensure they feel heard, valued and supported throughout their care.

“Acts like this are not part of her job description,” Leduc says. “They reflect the kind of person she is.”

Occupational therapists help patients regain the skills needed for daily life after illness, injury or hospitalization. Colleagues say Pearl combines that clinical expertise with a genuine commitment to the people she serves, seeing each patient as more than a diagnosis or medical condition.

“Her dedication, kindness and genuine commitment to providing exceptional care make her an outstanding role model for our team,” Leduc says.

That commitment is why Leduc nominated Pearl for the hospital’s latest BEE Award. Pearl was presented with the honor during a surprise ceremony with her colleagues. During the award presentation, she received a certificate commending her for her extraordinary work. Pearl, like all honorees, also received a BEE Award pin, a beautiful and meaningful sculpture and a basket filled with bee-themed gifts.

The BEE Award – which stands for Beyond Extraordinary Everyday – recognizes Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital employees in non-nursing roles who support patient care and make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients, families and coworkers. Nomination forms and boxes are located at each of the hospital’s main entrances and on the UVM Health Network website. Support staff may be nominated by patients, families and colleagues. A committee reviews nominations and awards a deserving employee each quarter. 

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About Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital
The University of Vermont Health Network - Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH) is a private, not-for profit hospital in Plattsburgh, NY.  Established in 1967 with the merger of Champlain Valley and Physicians Hospitals, CVPH joined Fletcher Allen Partners in 2012, which in 2014 became The University of Vermont Health Network.  Together with its partner hospitals, the UVM Medical Group and a home health agency, CVPH provides high quality, cost effective care, close to home. Services include an award winning cardiac services program, accredited cancer center, freestanding ambulatory surgery center, comprehensive rehabilitation services and a 24 hour physician-staffed Emergency Department.  Governed by a 15-member Board of Directors, CVPH is accredited by the Joint Commission and licensed by New York State and Medicare/Medicaid Approved.  Learn more at UVMHealth.org/CVPH. 

About University of Vermont Health Network 
University of Vermont Health Network is a rural academic health system with more than 100 years of service to small towns and cities across Vermont and northern New York. We are deeply committed to reimagining rural health in ways that will benefit our communities for generations to come and keep exceptional care close to home. Our system includes an academic medical center, two community hospitals, three critical access hospitals, a children’s hospital, a cancer center, a multispecialty medical group, 154 outpatient sites and care beyond the hospital through home health, hospice care, four skilled nursing facilities and other support services. Our care is informed by an essential partnership with University of Vermont’s The Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine and College of Nursing and Health Sciences. Together, as a health system serving a rural area, we are tackling health care’s biggest challenges — supporting the communities we serve and investing in our employees by addressing housing affordability, quality childcare and professional development needs. To learn more, visit us at www.uvmhealth.org.