Dr. Leony Bermejo Recognized as Hot Springs Service Hero

Dr. Leony Bermejo, a neurology hospitalist in Hot Springs, was recognized as a Service Hero for displaying the value of COMPASSION.

Dr. Bermejo was nominated by Dr. Webb because of the kindness that was shown to the patient and her family after she suffered a post-operative stroke. The patient is wheelchair bound and dependent upon her husband for most all of her needs. As expected, her husband was devastated, angry and anxious.

“He was difficult to deal with, complained about the night shift doctors, nurses, support staff and quite simply wanted to take her home where he felt she would get the attention and care she needed and deserved from him. I observed Dr. Bermejo’s interaction with him and the patient. Her kindness and compassion as well as empathy was palpable, genuine, and reassuring.”

Dr. Webb said he was reminded of Proverbs 15 verse 1, which says “a soft answer turneth away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger.” 

“I watched the husbands anger and frustration melt away, replaced with the sadness at the suffering of the woman he truly loves and cares for. He recognized in Dr. Bermejo’s words, attitude and affect, basic human goodness and sympathy. He is not an angry person; he is suffering and in pain. He too, needed medicine, a “balm of Gilead” for his pain provided only through the genuine kindness and sympathy and a recognition that he, too, was a patient, someone in need of attention.”