Following a year when health care professionals have been challenged like never before, USF Health doctors continue to make life better for our patients and community. Nearly 500 USF Health patients sent uplifting notes to their doctors and staff for National Doctors’ Day on March 30.

• A doctor who’s compassion for life and strength for truth, honor, and serving. You are looking into the eyes of Dr. Gonzalez. He is a Professor of medicine and a example of life. I am honored to call him my doctor.
• During all of the difficulties that 2020 brought to our lives, Dr. Kalidas ensured that I received the same level of care during my virtual visits as she provided during my normal office visits. Thank you!
• Dr. Bezchlibnyk is the best doctor I have ever had. Since the initial consultation he was empathetic, caring and wasn’t rushed. He made sure I understood what my condition was and how he could help. During my surgery I felt confident in his work. He literally changed my life by controlling my seizures. Words cannot express how thankful I am to him.
• When a person sees a cardiologist to discuss possible open-heart surgery the knowledge, experience and honesty of that cardiologist is extremely important. So it is with Dr. Matar. He is patient-centric and cares a lot about helping people avoid heart problems that could be serious if not deadly. I trust him with my life.
• Dr. Emma Bautista Ocampo has made the daily ritual for health care and medicine a natural part of my life. In regards to preventative health, her professional interest in me personally has opened my eyes to better selfcare. She has created a foundation of selfcare rooted in patients taking responsibility for their overall wellbeing.
• Dr. Poff has made my life better in so many ways. He truly cares for his patients’ well-being and students. He is so knowledgeable, yet so humble. He has helped make my daily life more enjoyable and explained everything I need to make myself better and to understand the issue at hand. Thank you for everything you do Dr, nothing goes unnoticed!!
• Dr. Bartels is the best puzzle worker ever! He does not shy away from pursuing answers to complex medical challenges. He is fearless and does it with a smile. His never-ending quest to continually learn is a testament to his lifelong career. What a treasure and blessing he is to the medical community and his patients.
• Thank you Dr. Zwygart for being my health hero! You have always given me the best advice and I feel so confident in your ability!
• Thank you Dr. Ducoin for being there for me when I needed you for surgery. You have helped me improve my quality of life tremendously.  I am healthier, happier, and enjoying my life due to your help.  Thank you so much.  You are a blessing.
• Dr. Seetha Lakshmi has made navigating a pandemic so much easier due to her expertise and constant research into a constantly evolving public health threat. She has made herself available to develop clinical protocols as well as educate healthcare providers on the “why” behind the process.  The best part is she is a genuinely sincere, thoughtful person!
• Dr. Connery is by far the best doctor I have ever had. She is thorough in her knowledge and super patient. I have recommended her to many family members and friends. Thank you, Dr. Connery for always making me feel comfortable and part of the USF family. You are truly a blessing to your professions and to the medical field.
• Dr. Louis-Jacques is a very compassionate practitioner. A role model in her field. As a patient she adds significant value to our provider-patient relationship by listening actively to my concerns, establishing mutual goal setting and celebrating successes together!

To make a gift in support of your USF Health doctor, visit https://usf.to/doctors.