'A True Patient Advocate': Hillsborough Hero

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — When times are tough, heroes emerge. We all know someone who's making a difference right now as we live through unprecedented times. Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these everyday heroes.

This submission comes from Rose Sieglen of Hillsborough, who nominated Dr. Sheshana Ashraf of Hillsborough:

Is the nominee considered an “essential worker”?:
Yes

What does the nominee do for work?:
Hospitalist Physician

Why do you believe the nominee should be recognized or honored?
To know Dr. Ashraf you will quickly realize that the patient is ALWAYS first and foremost. But it doesn’t stop there. She works tirelessly to support her staff in the Hospitalist Department and Hunterdon Medical Center (whether in clinical support, staff education, developing Clinical Pathways, serving on multitudinous Committees ,and evaluating Quality events just to name a few.)

COVID-19 changed everything relating to our day to day practice at HMC. Dr. Ashraf had the foresight to recognize that HMC would need some guidance in dealing with our COVID population. She independently developed evidence based Clinical Pathways to help guide not only her team but all HMC providers in dealing with this pandemic which were adopted and put into practice.

Additionally, she had to lead her team in adapting to the change in family communications regarding their loved one's illness. Rather than a face to face encounter, they had to adapt to telephonic communication and dealing with tough issues such as Level of Care decisions without the luxury of developing a one-on-one relationship with families.

Dr. Ashraf is a true patient advocate as evidenced by her tireless commitment to improving the patient care processes, and the patient care experience.

She has come to the rescue of HMC coworkers in need with medical guidance, stopping by with food after a love done passed, being a touchstone and a shoulder to cry on among many other things.

Despite tireless long hours at work, her commitment to HMC and our patients never falters. She is a TRUE HMC and Hillsborough Hero!

What’s one thing you want everyone to know about your hero?:
Her selfless dedication to her patients and everyone she meets, true humanitarian, positive and loving individual.

Thank you for all you do, Dr. Ashraf!

>> Do YOU have a local hero you would like us to know about? Share their story here.

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