Kimberly Henderson, MD, JD, an emergency room and urgent care physician at Mount Sinai Beth Israel, has a demanding role. She sees patients with life-threatening illnesses day and night, in addition to patients who do not need to be admitted but require referrals to specialists around the Mount Sinai Health System.
Dr. Henderson’s priority is to find providers who are best suited to each patient’s needs, but in a system as expansive as Mount Sinai, it can be a challenge.
According to Dr. Henderson, there is someone at Mount Sinai who is her lifesaver: Alfred Gallo, Jr., RN, of Physician Access Services.
Al, a 21-year veteran at Mount Sinai, can find the right specialist on a moment’s notice and promptly make appointments, which Dr. Henderson says is highly reassuring to patients and to her. “His services are invaluable. When Al is on the case, we are in good hands.”
Al says his work in Mount Sinai’s Same-Day Appointment Program is both rewarding and challenging.
“It is extremely fast-paced, and I respond to an average of 25 to 30 of these requests daily. I am known for my patience and establishing a rapport with patients. It is gratifying to feel I have made a difference to patients in their time of need.”