October 28, 2020 – He started at Richmond University Medical Center (RUMC) as a volunteer on the medical staff at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now only six months into his tenure as one of the hospital’s physical therapists, Ahmed Dardeir, MD, DPT, MSCR, CCI, has received numerous letters from patients about his skills and compassion. In recognition of his service to the community, hospital administration presented Dr. Dardeir with Certificate of Appreciation.
“This is very humbling and deeply appreciated,” Dr. Dardeir said at the surprise announcement and presentation held inside the hospital’s Comprehensive Outpatient Rehabilitation Center at 288 Kissel Avenue. “Thank you, it’s been a wonderful experience being here.”
The hospital awards certificates of appreciation to employees who go above and beyond for their patients and colleagues. During Dr. Dardeir’s short tenure, in addition to high praise from his colleagues, several letters from patients have been sent to hospital administration complimenting Dr. Dardeir, including the family of a young girl being treated by Dr. Dardeir since she was 8-weeks-old. “From the first minute we met with Dr. Dardeir our concerns vanished,” the family said in their letter. “We knew he had the best intentions and would treat us as if we were family. Dr. Dardeir has never waived in his commitment and he has given the best care in the best atmosphere.”
Dr. Dardeir first came to RUMC as a volunteer during the COVID-19 pandemic in early spring, helping patients in the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU), including those on ventilators. He was instrumental in developing the hospital approach to “proning” COVID-19 patients, a method by which the patient is rotated onto their stomach to help them breathe better. The technique was proven to be effective in improving positive outcomes in the early days of the pandemic and is a practice still being used, when necessary. At the height of the pandemic in April, RUMC was treating over 200 COVID-19 inpatients and many more through outpatient services and telemedicine visits. Today, over 1,360 COVID-19 positive patients have been treated and discharged from RUMC since March.
“The impact Dr. Dardeir has made in such a short amount of time speaks volumes about his dedication to his profession, his colleagues, and his patients,” President and Chief Executive Officer, Daniel J. Messina, PhD, FACHE, said.
Located behind the main hospital, RUMC’s Comprehensive Outpatient Rehabilitation Center features a team of highly skilled and experienced therapists treating patients with the latest evidenced-based practices and techniques for orthopedic, geriatric, neurological, cardiopulmonary, and pediatric conditions.
