In the Department of Family Medicine, we are all aware of the value of the patient. Establishing genuine relationships to foster better health is a critical role within our practice.
It is stories like the one over in the UCHealth Primary Care Westminster clinic, that remind us of why we do what we do. Our very own, Denver Hager, DO, was recognized as having exemplified outstanding patient care when one of his veteran patients graciously awarded him with an honorary challenge coin.
As a long-standing military tradition, these coins or medallions embody an identity within a military unit—or their “esprit de corps.” Each coin is different as it features a military unit’s insignia. Often exchanged through a handshake, these coins are presented as recognition for exemplary performance or seen as a high achievement. In other words, it is quite an honor to be presented with one.
Although this patient came to see Dr. Hager regarding a separate matter, he shared a desire to reinvestigate how some ongoing health concerns may be tied to his military service and present it to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Dr. Hager, having a father and grandfather who served in the military, was familiar with VA benefits. He began to do some research on how he could support his patient’s disability claims.
“It was clear to me that he deserved more benefits than he had initially been afforded.” explained Dr. Hager, “I feel very passionately that every veteran should be given the resources they need to obtain any and all benefits that they are entitled to, especially those that have paid the price of service with their bodies and their health.”
This prompted Dr. Hager to voluntarily write a disability letter to the VA, expressing the extent of the patient’s health concerns and his supporting research. The letter was so exceptional, that not only was the patient awarded 100% benefits coverage, but the VA case coordinator reported his letter will now act as an example for other future vets needing disability approval.
Practice Administrator Jennifer Teunis, BSN, RN, noted, “I think that's the biggest thing... he didn't have to do this. He just volunteered to do it and did such a good job. The fact that this can go on to help other people, I think is huge.”
At his follow-up visit, the patient asked for the staff to gather together in the clinic. In what was described as an honorary yet “playfully embarrassing” Army tradition, the veteran turned the attention on Dr. Hager and began to express how grateful he was for the letter.
The room became emotional as the patient presented Dr. Hager with his own sergeant first-class challenge coin, followed by an eruption of applause. “We had a lot of tears in the office,” recalled Jennifer, “it was really, really sweet and that's just one of the most notable recognition moments that that I've witnessed in healthcare.”
Dr. Hager was shocked and deeply touched. He was aware of the immense honor it is to receive such a coin.
“It was very emotional for me and is one of the more meaningful experiences I have had in my career, to date.” said Dr. Hager, “I keep the challenge coin in a small display case so that on tough days I have a reminder of why we do the work we do in family medicine.”
Thank you, Dr. Hager. Your actions represent what it means to be an exceptional physician, and you embody the core values behind which the Department of Family Medicine stands.
