Respect and kindness for patients by Tammy Sloan-Minckler OHSU/MRH

I worked in Med Control/Medical Resource Hospital for OHSU Trauma. Your Father was my favorite Trauma Doc at the “U”.  Not only was I part of OHSU Trauma, my so was a four time kidney transplant patient and three time cancer survivor.  Including CNS lymphoma.  Dr. Trunkey always took time upon arriving in the ED before the arrival of his trauma patient, to stop in and ask about my son, Rory.  He always said he was available to help me with questions or concerns to help him reach the best person in the given field of need.   I adored him for his kindness to us. 

With each Trauma Activation, when Dr Trunkey led the team, I always knew this patient had the best chance and would be treated with the utmost respect, regardless of the patients outcome.  One of my earliest memories of Dr Trunkey, he and his residents arrived to the trauma bay for a gravely injured young man.  After he led the assessment and gave his initial opinion he allowed the team to work their amazing talents.  When the situation was hopeless for the patient, he would simply say “okay, thank you everyone, but stop now.” And a very respectful quiet would come over the ED.   You could see in him respect for every patient, every time.  So, sending my utmost respects to each and every family touched by Dr. Trunkey.  Forever a giant in the world of medicine, military, and humanity.”

My deepest condolences to your family.  This is a loss beyond measure.  I have lost both my parents and my son, Rory passed in 2012 from heart failure.   I understand where your hearts are now.  Please know how admired, respected, and appreciated Dr. Trunkey will always be. 

2 thoughts on “Respect and kindness for patients by Tammy Sloan-Minckler OHSU/MRH”

  1. I too had the privilege of working beside Dr. Don Trunkey at OHSU, I was a social worker in the ED and was in attendance at traumas but basically as an observer for family. It was always amazing to watch Dr Trunkey control a chaotic scene with such calm assurance. He was a force for good and one hell of a great physician.

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