Shana Vongkhankeo, a nurse practitioner at AdventHealth Lake Mary Health Park, recently identified an unusual thyroid enlargement during a routine physical for a teenage patient. This observation led to further testing and the diagnosis of thyroid cancer, resulting in prompt surgical intervention.
Vongkhankeo emphasized the importance of process improvement in clinical care. “Process improvement has always been a passion, and I’ve seen how it can even save lives. Recently, a mother and her teenage daughter came in for a routine physical. I noticed the daughter’s thyroid was enlarged, so I suggested an ultrasound. Unfortunately, the results indicated cancer, requiring surgery. After that quick diagnosis, the care team ensured she had a seamless care journey, promptly coordinating to have her thyroid removed,” she said.
She described how integrating primary care with specialty services allowed for faster diagnostic imaging and referrals. The family expressed gratitude for the early detection and coordinated care.
When asked about practical advice on process improvement, Vongkhankeo shared three principles: “Be fully present: Embrace the moment you’re in and bring the needs of whomever you’re working with and your shared goals into focus. Make eye contact and engage actively. This helps people feel heard and cared for.
Prioritize timeliness and ease: Being organized can be a service to not only yourself, but also to others. Things like quick responses, clear timelines and thoughtful communication go a long way in making things easier for you and your collaborators – whether that’s a patient, a colleague or a client.
Maintain a work-life balance: It’s hard to help others if you’re not helping yourself. To achieve this, focus on efficiency and proficiency in your work processes. When you’re feeling whole yourself, you can be of better service to others.”
Reflecting on her role at AdventHealth, Vongkhankeo said: “I absolutely love my role at AdventHealth. Sometimes, I interact with patients whose needs go beyond physical health; they may require spiritual or emotional support. Providing that wholistic care has been rewarding.
My time in the emergency room taught me to recognize critical situations and ask the right questions. These triage skills are invaluable in family medicine, where I can build relationships and see how my decisions positively impacts patients.”
AdventHealth Orlando is located in Orlando, Florida and was founded in 1908. The hospital serves as both a pediatric facility and training hospital under its current president Terry Shaw.
More information about AdventHealth’s efforts to support physician well-being through leadership development programs is available here.
