A ‘brain teaser’ at UVMMC and one pharmacist who refused to give up.

by Ted Cohen

When a previously-healthy older patient arrived at the UVM Heath Emergency Department with sudden confusion, nothing made sense.

Multiple tests, including for stroke, came back negative, according to Ryan Mason MD, an emergency room physician.

“But Scott Charette, one of our clinical pharmacists, wasn’t done digging,” Mason recalls.

Charette spoke with the patient’s family. He found out the patient had been to a local optometrist earlier in the day.

Pharmacist Charette called the optometrist to piece together what happened.

“That extra effort uncovered the answer: a reaction to eye drops,” Mason said. “Because of Charette’s persistence, the team identified the issue quickly and the patient made a full recovery.”

“Scott made an amazing save for a patient,” Mason added. “He is always an outstanding pharmacist and emergency department team member.”

Because of Charette’s going “above and beyond to care for a patient,” Mason nominated Charette for the BEE Award, “Beyond Extraordinary Everyday.”

The award recognizes team members making “a powerful difference in the lives of patients and families.”

“Congratulations to Scott Charette, our newest BEE Award honoree,” the hospital said. “Your commitment, curiosity and compassion are making a real impact when it matters most.”