Tess Thompson: Bridging the Gap Between Care and Compassion with Social Work Excellence

In the intricate world of healthcare, where medical advancements often take center stage, a crucial element sometimes gets overlooked: the profound human experience of illness. It's a reality Tess Thompson understands deeply, and it's precisely where she steps in, weaving the vital threads of social work into the fabric of clinical care at UNC.

A distinguished alumna of the UNC School of Social Work, Thompson also brings a Master of Public Health to her powerful toolkit.

This unique blend of expertise allows her to view patient care through a comprehensive lens, recognizing that health extends far beyond biological symptoms. She doesn't just see a diagnosis; she sees a person, a family, and a life profoundly impacted by health challenges.

Working within a bustling clinical environment, Thompson serves as an indispensable bridge.

While doctors focus on treatment plans and nurses administer medications, she champions the psychosocial well-being of patients and their families. Imagine a child undergoing complex treatment or a family grappling with a chronic illness diagnosis – these moments are fraught with anxiety, logistical hurdles, and emotional turmoil.

Thompson is there to navigate it all.

Her approach is fundamentally holistic. She delves into the intricate web of social determinants of health, assessing factors like financial strain, housing stability, access to transportation, and mental health support. Is a family struggling to afford medications? Does a patient need counseling to cope with their illness? Are there community resources that could ease their burden? Thompson actively seeks answers and provides solutions, connecting families with the support they desperately need.

One of Thompson's most significant contributions is her role as an advocate.

She ensures that patient voices are heard, their fears acknowledged, and their unique circumstances considered in their care journey. This human-centered perspective not only empowers patients but also enhances the overall effectiveness of medical treatment, leading to better outcomes and a more compassionate healthcare experience.

Thompson's work embodies the true spirit of integrated care, proving that when clinical excellence is coupled with profound social support, the impact is transformative.

Her dedication is a beacon, illuminating a path where empathy, understanding, and comprehensive assistance are as critical to healing as any medical intervention. She's not just a social worker in a clinical setting; she's a pioneer, forging a future where every patient receives not just treatment, but true care in its fullest, most human sense.