For nearly four years, Mexico City resident Rebecca Passy suffered from a displaced vertebra in her lower back. Not only did this cause her debilitating pain, it robbed her of one of her greatest joys: dancing. If she ever was going to be able to live pain free and dance, Rebecca needed surgery to fuse(...)
About Katherine DeRuggiero
Posts by Katherine DeRuggiero:
Far From Home, But in Good Hands
The 18-year-old Mr. Yan had come from China to study in the United States when he started feeling weak, uncomfortable and feverish. When his fever wouldn’t go away, he went to The Johns Hopkins Hospital for a checkup. It was there that our physicians diagnosed Mr. Yan with lymphoma — a type of blood cancer. Throughout(...)
The Tao of Wow in Patient Experience
Our patient experience team is always on the job. That job is “wow-ing” our patients before their visit to Johns Hopkins, while they’re here and when they return home—at every step of their journey with us. Amel Elshinawi, our patient experience manager, says, “Improving the care we provide to patients is a continuous process. Our(...)
Heard in Bermuda: ‘Johns Hopkins Saved My Father’s Life’
Locals line the streets to enjoy a vibrant celebration. A colorful parade winding through Hamilton, Bermuda, is the highlight of Bermuda Day—an annual patriotic holiday featuring dance troupes, bands and decorated floats. For more than a decade, Johns Hopkins Medicine has remained committed to ensuring that Bermudians stay healthy and informed, and have access to(...)
What to Expect When We’re Expecting You
Patients from all over the world trust Johns Hopkins to provide high-quality care and the latest treatments. While we match each patient with the best clinicians and caregivers to meet their unique needs, we understand that receiving medical care in another country can be stressful. We recently produced this new video to let international patients(...)
When Local Care Can’t Do It All
When you’re ill, it’s a struggle just to change out of your pajamas or heat up a cup of tea. Going into work is out of the question. For patients who are critically ill, traveling for care can feel unbearable. Patients would rather receive treatment locally, where they have family support and can recuperate in(...)
Best Preparation for Worst-Case Scenarios
The devastating wake of hurricanes across the United States and Caribbean. Two destructive earthquakes striking central Mexico within a two-week span. Deadly outbreaks of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome across Saudi Arabia, UAE and other countries in the region. Multiple terrorist attacks in Spain. These are real examples of recent emergencies affecting all corners of the(...)