Dr. Carla Meinholz, a Dignity Health Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital (SNMH) emergency department physician, recently cared for her cousin, who is an SNMH nurse.
The patient was a young single mother who lost her car in a collision in which she was involved. Although she was physically unharmed, the emotional impact was severe as her car played a vital role in transporting her children to school and day care. She is there to make her commute easier. She fell into a state of distress thinking she could manage without it.
Amid the hustle and bustle of the emergency department, Dr. Meinholz demonstrated an extraordinary level of compassion. Even though there were many reasons for the young woman’s urgent visit, the doctor took the time to sit and listen to her story. The patient was deeply moved by Dr. Meinholz’s understanding and her compassion, and her feelings remained clear to him later when he shared his experience.
Dr. Meinholz went above and beyond by giving the young woman a car. The doctor’s generosity left an indelible mark on the grateful recipient.
This story is shared with her permission because of her desire to make others aware of this deep act of kindness. Dr. Meinholz, pictured with Chief Medical Officer Tyler Hill, was initially reluctant to share the story publicly because of his reserved nature. But she understood and agreed to the positive impact of sharing a story that focused on her acts of listening, love, and generosity. I hope others will appreciate and be inspired by this amazing expression of compassion.