CJ Nicholson-Uhl is a sincere, compassionate, and caring provider. As the Director of Palliative Care, CJ helps patients deal with serious medical illnesses.

CJ first finds out what the patient wants. He holds their hand, laughs, and cries with them.

He helps them understand the journey they are on and makes the tough decisions so much easier. CJ listens and gets to know each of his patients individually. He spends whatever time is necessary with the patient and their family, having discussions on the disease process, comfort care, Hospice care, trajectory of illness, or sometimes even to be silent and be by their side as they soak in the devastating news.

One co-worker said when her mom was dealing with end of life decisions, CJ was the angel in the white coat that entered her room. He sat on her bed and talked with her in a way she could understand. He had such a special way that she was no longer afraid. His positive energy gave her peace and comfort. Even after being discharged, CJ would stop by to check in, and offered to visit her at home.

LCMC Health recognized CJ with the “Heart and Soul” award, and was celebrated with donuts, his favorite treat, and was given a yearlong supply of donuts. With that yearlong supply, he decided to give back to the community by leaving one of his $100 gift cards at a local donut shop and instructed them to use it for first responders and frontline heroes who stopped in for donuts.

- Submitted by CJ’s colleagues at West Jefferson Medical Center, Marrero, LA