Dr. Shafizadeh Named Service Hero at North

Stephen Shafizadeh, MD, FAANS, a neurosurgeon at North, was recognized as a Service Hero for displaying the value of COMPASSION.

Dr. Shafizadeh was nominated by the family of David Duch, who was admitted to North in late 2019 for a possible stroke.

“When Dr. Shafizadeh entered the room, we knew David was in the right hands. This doctor did all he could do within his power to help us. He explained everything to us in the sweetest way possible.”

David had experienced a brain stem stroke along with an aneurysm and blood clot, and the family praised Dr. Shafizadeh’s efforts to care for them as well as his patient.

Although surgery and other interventions were not able to save David, Dr. Shafizadeh treated the family like his own. He let them cry on his lap, he hugged them every time they needed it, he spent quality time explaining what had happened and the foreseeable outcomes.  He even went so far as to make sure to take care of Ms. Jeri, ensuring she was sleeping, resting and taking time for herself. 

“He told us that ‘God made the brain in a beautiful way’ that resulted in David feeling no pain. At this point we were at ease.”

Dr. Shafizadeh’s calm and comforting presence helped a family during one of their darkest times. “(He) had the ability to take a terrible situation and turn it into a positive memory that the family will carry with them.”