The staff member, James Kaminski, was unaware that he had a blockage in his left anterior descending (LAD) artery.
Mena carefully escorted the staff member to an examination room where it was revealed that he was having a myocardial infarction or heart attack. The team assembled quickly to insert a stent, saving the patient’s life.
Mena received the Yale New Haven Hospital (YNHH) PEACE award along with procedural nurses Jessica Rapacciuolo, Caroline Coolidge, Jamie Andrias, and HVC interventional technologist Stephen Norman, Rosemary Herasimovich, and HVC procedure cluster leader Sarah Collins for their attention to detail and escalation of care.
“At the Yale New Haven Hospital Heart and Vascular Center, it’s all about our patients. This recognition goes to the entire team who work tirelessly to make sure all our patients have the best outcomes,” said Mena.
The PEACE award (Patient Experience Award for Caring and Excellence) was established in 2015 in recognition of the impact that all members of Yale New Haven Hospital have on the patient experience.
“Dr. Mena’s leadership is an example of the exceptional and compassionate care that we provide at the Heart and Vascular Center for our patients and their families. The PEACE award is a well-deserved recognition of Carlos and our outstanding HVC –CV lab staff,” said Francine LoRusso.
At the Yale New Haven Hospital Heart and Vascular Center, it’s all about our patients. This recognition goes to the entire team who work tirelessly to make sure all our patients have the best outcomes.
Carlos Mena-Hurtado, MD
Mena began his Yale career in 2001. He continued his medical training as a resident and fellow before he was selected to direct the vascular medicine program at YNHH in 2010. He co-founded the Vascular Medicine Outcomes Program (VAMOS) with Kim Smolderen, PhD, in 2020.