At JPS Health Network, care is defined by the relationships between patients and their clinicians. It is trust built over time, through critical moments and everyday care. During Doctors’ Week, JPS is recognizing the impact these relationships have on the lives of the people we serve.
Known for delivering advanced care as a Level I Trauma Center, Level I Stroke Center, Level IV Maternal Center, and Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, JPS pairs clinical excellence with something just as important - doctors who show up for patients, year after year.
That relationship has been years in the making for Henry Nelms, a JPS Magnolia Health Center patient. Since first coming to JPS in 2009, his journey has included life-threatening emergencies, long recoveries, and ongoing care that continues to support his independence today. Through it all, one thing has remained constant: his trust in his doctors and a deep appreciation for the care they’ve provided.
"With everything he’s been through, even after a stroke, he’s still able to live on his own. That says a lot about the care he’s received."
“I appreciate JPS because every doctor I’ve had has been really good, and I’ve had no problems,” Henry said.
That trust didn’t happen overnight. Cassaundra Nelms, Henry’s daughter, recalls just how critical those early moments were.
When Henry first arrived at JPS, his condition was pretty serious. After losing a significant amount of blood and facing internal complications, his family was unsure of what would come next. Cassaundra shared that in that moment of uncertainty, the care team stepped in with confidence and compassion, reassuring the family that they would do everything possible to save him. That promise, she said, is one they kept.
Over the years, that level of care has shown up time and time again. From recovering after multiple traumatic incidents to managing chronic conditions like heart disease and high cholesterol, Henry’s care team has consistently adapted to his needs. His cardiologist, Dr. Rim Bannout, played a key role in helping him recover from a heart attack, so much so that today, signs of that event are barely visible in his scans.
Cassaundra described how Henry’s care team remains accessible and responsive, ensuring he gets timely appointments, support with medications, and coordinated care when challenges arise, including stepping in quickly when an external issue once disrupted his prescriptions. Henry and Cassaundra say it’s the day-to-day care, just as much as the big emergencies, that shows the true dedication of his doctors, specifically his primary care provider, Dr. Christian Burton.
That consistency has helped improve Henry’s health and his quality of life. At 85 years old, he continues to live independently, something his family doesn’t take for granted.
“With everything he’s been through, even after a stroke, he’s still able to live on his own. That says a lot about the care he’s received,” Cassaundra said.
It is shown that the difference comes down to something simple, but powerful. When asked what makes Henry’s relationship with his doctors special, he shared that they take the time to truly listen, ask questions, understand his concerns, and get to the root of the problem. That approach has made all the difference in how he feels today.
“They take time with me, so they get to the real problem. So, right now, I feel great,” Henry said!
And if Henry had to describe his doctors in just three words? Attentive. Patient. Dedicated.
Those qualities were echoed by both Henry and Cassaundra, reflecting a care team that goes beyond treating symptoms, working together, collaborating across specialties, and staying committed to finding solutions, even in the most complex situations.
For the Nelms family, the idea of ‘Why I love my doctor’ comes to life every day, through trust, compassion, and a care team that has been there for them, year after year.
Our clinicians are at the heart of the care each patient receives. To learn more about JPS Health Network, visit www.jpshealthnet.org.
If you’d like to honor a clinician who has made a meaningful impact on your experience, consider making a donation to the JPS Foundation in their name: https://jpshealthnet.org/doctors-day. Choose “Honor Your Doctor” in the designation dropdown.