of the Year

“My esophagectomy patients (I could name
50 of them) come to OHSU with one of the
worst diagnoses in medicine, esophageal
cancer, referred for one of the most morbid
operations in medicine, esophagectomy.
Needless to say, they are PETRIFIED when
they walk into clinic with their families.
Thanks to Lisa, and the whole DHC and
Knight Cancer Center team, these patients
leave the hospital 12 weeks later with a new
life in front of them, most of the time. During
these 12 weeks, and for 3-6 months beyond
the 12 weeks of active therapy, they have a
million needs and questions. Lisa –
tirelessly – takes care of each one of them
as if they were the only person in the world
she has to worry about. When I see them in
clinic, there is little for me to do, as Lisa has
taken care of them so well. BRAVO!”
John Hunter, MD
Chair, Department of Surgery
“Over the past 2 years, we have had a
dinner, which precedes our annual
Esophageal Cancer Research Retreat.
Each time, multiple patients have come up
to me and overtly commented on how
grateful to Lisa they are, both before, during,
after their immediate care by the
multidisciplinary esophageal cancer
team…Lisa Bloker is a gem to work with.
She believes in the missions of OHSU and
lives them every single day.”
Charles R. Thomas, MD
“She makes esophageal cancer treatment at
OHSU work, and, amazingly, she makes it
look easy.” Ken Gatter, MD
“When I was a student I only envisioned my nursing career in one light - acute care
nursing. I loved the feel of the hospital, the constantly changing environment, the
never ending list of technical tasks and procedures, and the diverse patient
population. I was young, energetic, and idealistic. For about 4 years I lived my dream
until I suffered an on the job injury. After a lengthy recuperation, I was advised that it
would be in my best interest medically to either leave nursing or find a position that
didn't require lifting. I struggled with the decision but eventually accepted my current
position within the Digestive Health Center. When I advised my peers of my decision,
the reaction was one not of support and congratulations but one of disdain.
Comments such as "So you're not going to be a real nurse any longer?" and "Why are
you giving up nursing?" occurred so frequently that I actually started to believe them.
How little did I know! My role as a Patient Care Coordinator has been more
challenging and more rewarding than anything I ever could have imagined and over
the last 8 years, I feel I've truly learned what it means to be a Nurse!
I've been blessed to work with an amazing team of physicians and staff who have
encouraged me to develop and define my nursing practice. Part of my role includes
working with a multidisciplinary team that focuses on the care of patients with
esophageal cancer. This is a patient population that I never thought I'd work closely
with but I've found that I love it and can't imagine working anywhere else.
Every day I am amazed at the strength and perseverance of our patients. Working
with them is both awe-inspiring and heartbreaking and I can't help but feel honored
to be a part of my patient's lives during this difficult time. To listen to their stories,
their fears, their joys, to laugh with them and sometimes cry with them is a gift from
God. They have taught me so much about life and living and I know I will ever be able
to return what they've given to me. It is my hope that if I can ease some of their fear
or make life a little easier by offering a word of reassurance, assistance with
navigating a test or procedure, answering a few questions, or simply sharing a smile I
might be giving some of what I've learned back to them.
Working in Patient Care Coordination and ambulatory medicine may have never been
my "dream job" but it is one I will be forever grateful for. I feel humbled and deeply
honored to have been nominated and selected for this award. Thank you!”
Lisa Bloker
The Clinical Care category is described as “a nurse who demonstrates excellence as a practitioner of direct care delivery in
any clinical setting. This practitioner directs and manages care in a therapeutic manner to inspire others to transform,
and to transform practice."