Kirstin Kapach, social worker

A social worker on the palliative unit 9Y, Kirstin Kapach supports everyone she meets on the unit. She knows the social programs available to her patients and ensures they can access those programs even if she must go above and beyond. She works with families coming from out of the country expedite their travel exemptions. Kirstin helps patients access funds to participate in activities beneficial to their care and goals.

Kirstin works hard to build rapport and a trusting relationship with her patients. She ensures all of them feel valued, understood and accepted for who they are and their beliefs. She advocates for homeless patients and shows compassion by providing them with all the resources available to them. She will work to reconnect patients with their families while maintaining their privacy.

She advocates for what she believes is right for her patients and families even if there are opposing views on the healthcare team. An example of this is when a patient wanted to switch her physician and Kirstin felt that was her right to do so without any backlash, so she helped make it happen. This resident felt respected and her trust in Kirstin solidified.