August 24, 2023
Senthil Radhakrishnan, M.S., PA-C
Administrative Chief and Clinical Neurosurgical PA
Department of Neurosurgery
Duke University Medical Center
Durham, NC 27710
Re: Letter of Recommendation – GP
Dear Madam/Sir
I recommend GP with the highest regard and greatest enthusiasm and support for her application to the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies. GP exemplifies the characteristics of a promising and proficient advanced practice provider. I have known GP since July 2020 and since then she has grown in confidence, knowledge, and skill from a novice bedside nurse to an inquisitive and excellent team player with leadership qualities. I am confident GP will make an excellent PA and patient advocate.
GP joined the neurosurgical unit in July 2020 as a recently graduated nurse but she quickly became an essential and reliable member of the neurosurgery team, helping provide excellent bedside nursing to severely ill and complex patients with neurological, neurosurgical, neurovascular, and neuro-oncological conditions with extensive comorbidities. Attentive and invested, GP on many occasions recognized the acute change in the severity of illness and impending decline of our patients. She was professional and adept in reaching out quickly and effectively articulating her concerns to facilitate appropriate intervention or escalation in the level of care. In these moments, I recognized in GP a great potential for a more advanced role in patient care.
GP consistently demonstrated her compassion, enthusiasm, and energy in her role as a neuroscience nurse. Her inquisitive nature and intellect led her to pursue cross-training as an ED nurse beginning in July 2022 and preceptor of newly graduated nurses. She excelled as a charge nurse managing the schedule of her colleagues and their patient assignments. Her problem-solving skills, and clinical acumen to recognize critical changes in patient assessment helped her take care of patients in the neuro-intensive care unit. She exemplifies her adaptability and flexibility consistently through her ability to manage both critically ill patients and successfully manage to help her colleagues, interns, residents, therapists, and other administrative tasks.
She works closely with interns and surgical residents and is a valuable team member. She always maintains a professional demeanor, has a constant thirst for knowledge, and has the drive to acquire new skills. She precepts nursing students and new nurses and is an excellent role model for them.
Working in a tertiary center with a well reputable neurosurgical unit and caring for high-acuity patients, GP has gained an immense wealth of knowledge and expertise in managing acutely ill patients. One of GP’s greatest assets is her initiative to learn and take responsibility. She can develop excellent rapport with her patients, their families, her peers, and superiors at all levels. GP has an excellent sense of humor and deploys it appropriately and judiciously during stressful situations and when caring for sick patients to help them cope and even laugh when they are most vulnerable.
Aside from her intelligence, competence, and passion for taking care of people, GP has also served as a member of the Neuro Clinical Practice Council and Policy Making Board. As a goal-oriented, conscientious professional, I believe GP would excel in any graduate program for which she is highly qualified. Her experience has helped her develop strong management abilities, and excellent communication skills, as well as the realization of the importance of ethics, compassion, and professionalism. She is also an energetic team player with leadership qualities.
I wish her the very best. Please feel free to contact me if I can be of assistance.
Sincerely,
Senthil Radhakrishnan., M.S., PA-C
