This is a testimonial to the caring sensitivity Amy Hyams has when working with patients. As a physician, I have worked with Amy as she helped me better understand the health care issues and concerns of a complex patient of mine. Her insight helped the patient feel more comfortable in the doctor’s office, and helped me understand what was really going on with that patient’s health problems.

Amy was able to be a good liaison between the patient and myself. She helped me practice good medicine, and serve my patients better.

Melinda Aquino, M.D.
Vascular Surgeon, Cardiology Associates of Marin

No one wants to see their child ill, let alone with something that is unrecognizable. I was unclear why the orthopedic doctors wanted to operate on Ruby without a clear goal or diagnosis. Was I giving in to the doctors because my heart was heavy and my brain clouded?

The night before my daughter's surgery Amy came to the hospital. She had researched the possible diagnoses that were on the table, and sorted though them. Amy brought the information to us for what looked to be the most likely diagnosis. Then we met with the doctors and Amy was instrumental in helping me ask the questions that would allow me clarity to make the best decision for Ruby. What were the benefits, risks, alternatives? What if we did nothing and watched her for a few more days? Was it more likely that Ruby had Osteomyelitis over Rheumatoid Arthritis? With Amy's support my family felt held in our decision. It lifted a weight off me.

Later, I was walking Amy out of the hospital. We sat for a while and I let me heart pour out. And again, Amy held me. This time she held me while I cried.

When I look back on this time I don't think of Ruby's illness, but of her wellness. All the support from our community made this into something beautiful. That night before surgery could have been terrifying, but I remember sleeping with the sense that we were making the best decision for our daughter.

Kara E.

I have a large practice of primarily elderly patients who have many medical problems and who usually take a lot of medications that accompany these problems. I have found that patient advocates are useful in that they usually get their clients to the office on time, are organized, make sure that their client brings a list of medications that they are taking and have a logical list of new problems and questions.

Patient advocates can appear to make the appointments last longer, but it is usually time well spent when dealing with complex, elderly or diffident patients. Proper follow up for lab tests and x-rays and appointments are usually not messed up with patient advocates and most advocates ask the questions that their client or loved one may not be able to ask. In summary, I like patient advocates, as usually they are intelligent, want to do what is best for their clients or loved ones, have big hearts and help reduce errors.

With respect to Amy Hyams, I have found her to have all the best qualities of an excellent patient advocate – intelligence, charm, organizational skills, punctuality and a good sense of humor. I would strongly recommend her as a patient advocate.

Steven Snyder, M.D.

Geriatrics, Endocrinology   


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