Be a partner in your own health – that’s Everol Ennis’ simple message to his patients. Everol is a Nurse Practitioner and Loan Repayment Program awardee and works in one of the poorest neighborhoods in Hartford, CT. Many of his patients are homeless and/or haven’t seen a health care provider in years, meaning they have no one to partner with when it comes to health care. How can a provider schedule a follow up appointment or maintain a continuum of care when the patient can’t provide an address on a medical form? To answer that question, Everol got creative.
He would frequently get patient transfers or referrals from fellow providers who thought that male patients may be better suited seeing a male provider for specific health concerns. In February 2010, Everol established the first Men’s Health Clinic. It’s open every Friday and also serves many in the community who are homeless, living in shelters, or receiving help from the Salvation Army.
According to Everol, the providers wear many hats at the clinic. “We serve as health care providers, lawyers, social workers, and couples counselors,” says Everol with a chuckle. “Often the clinic is one of the few places where people come, and they are actually treated well, respected, and guaranteed to be greeted with a smile.”
His straightforward approach to patient care, willingness to go above and beyond what’s needed, and unique rapport with patients were just a few of the reasons that he was named 2011 Clinician of the Year at Community Health Services, Inc.
But the accolades embarrass more than drive him. “Working at this clinic humbles me. It makes me grateful for everything I have – especially when I see patients struggling to make ends meet. There is so much angst about things I take for granted like paying a utility bill or steady employment. I see their struggles, and I try to meet my patients where they are – not where I want them to be.” Recently, Everol worked with a patient to figure out how to address his knee pain, since his job depended on him being on his feet. Everol knew the patient needed a solution to comfortably manage the pain – not an operation that would lay him up for weeks. He also works with other clinic staff to go the extra mile and identify new resources or insurance options for patients.
“My job tests my resolve and presents me with new challenges ever y single day. But, these challenges make me a better health care provider,” says Everol who continues to be energized by his patients. “You wouldn’t believe the overwhelming gratitude that they express on a daily basis – sometimes they shake my hand until they’re about to pull my arm out of its socket or hugging me until I almost can’t breathe. Ultimately, though, I take the most pride in seeing patients looking and feeling better based on the treatment plan that we’ve developed together and seeing more pep in their step.”
Everol not only teaches his patients to be a partner in their own health care – he gives them someone to partner with.
