A snowstorm wasn’t going to stop Robert Edwards, a surgical tech at UofL Health – UofL Hospital, from getting to work. He walked 4.5 miles in the snow and ice from his home in the Portland neighborhood to get to work.
“It was not my intention at all to walk that distance to work, but was done out of pure desperation,” Robert said. Because of a car accident more than a year ago, Robert relies on public transportation. But when TARC wasn’t an option and ride share services kept rejecting or canceling his ride, he started to walk, not wanting to delay the inevitable.
“I believed that my services would be needed and that I absolutely needed to arrive to work even if late,” Robert said. “I’m glad I did as the OR itself experienced a high number of call-ins. I was able to help out as much as possible through my old role as an anesthesia tech and assisting my fellow surgical techs.”
Robert has worked for UofL Hospital for 10 years starting out as a patient transporter, spending the last four or five years in the OR as an anesthesia tech, and most recently completing the new surgical tech program in December.
Kathy Robinson, clinical manager for Surgical Services said that Robert’s dedication to his job goes beyond skill and precision; it reflects his unwavering commitment to patient care and surgical team support.
“Even in the face of challenges like snowstorms, his resilience and determination to show up ensure that critical procedures continue without delay,” Kathy said. “This level of responsibility highlights not only his professionalism but also his deep sense of duty to those who rely on his expertise.”
Robert shared he was surprised by the amount of support he received for simply making it to work.
“I am extremely grateful for my co-workers, who have shown me nothing but love and a willingness to help ensure that I never have to make that commute in the snow again,” Robert shared.
