11/07/2025
What a full circle day at Promessa!
Dr. T attended the funeral of the senior VP who hired her as Medical Director in Lake and Sumter County in 2019. Jennifer carried integrity first and rooted for the underdog which is the hospcie medical director. Dr. T has many memories of Jennifer but the one that stands out the most was —-When Dr. T was relocating from Boca Raton, the money promised for her move was delayed multiple times so Jennifer took Dr. T to the bank and gave her the money from her personal bank account. Jennifer was compassionate and treated all employees with respect. She lit up any room she entered. Dr. T is forever grateful to Jennifer for taking a chance on her which ultimately led her to leaving Vitas with the confidence to open Promessa.
As Dr. T was leaving the church today, she saw her high school English teacher, Mr. Regina, who asked so are a physician? Dr. Tartaglia always had big dreams and this teacher was one of her biggest cheerleaders. What are the chances of seeing your teacher from NJ??????
Dr. Tartaglia attended lunch with 3 people who had an impact on her medical career. She met Dr. Turgeon is 2001 as a third year medical student. Dr. Turgeon taught her the art of medicine as she still remembers his office being filled with pies and sugar cane from patients in lieu of payments. He traded medication samples for food. He was the hardest working attending and taught her grit when showed her you can heal from tragedy. Right around the time Dr. Tartaglia finished residency Dr. Turgeon became a hospice medical director. She has worked for or with him for many seasons of her career.
In 2006, Dr. T met Cheri Hartmann now a ARNP— she was the unlucky team manager that took on the rookie hospice doctor. Cheri taught her how to have difficult conversations, manage team expecations, palliate symptoms effectively, and even navigate care at nudist colonies. Cheri also taught Dr. T the balance of motherhood and career as she was huge help after the birth of her children.
Dr. Emily Bradley is the newest friend—a firey redhead who took over her position as admissions medical director and later worked with Dr. T at Prospero where they grew so close. Dr. Bradley is a mom of 3 and bad ass physician. She is the first female physician who normalized Dr. T’s first priority her kids. She did not judge Dr. T and her wild kid stories but instead offered incredible advice and support. Dr. Bradley taught her the finesse of assertive vs. bitchy female physician.
The moral of this long story is sometimes as people living busy lives we lose sight of where we came from and what it took to get there. There are no coincidences in life. The hospice world is small and filled with many full circle moments so stop and be present. Colleagues who love you fiercely as your authentic self are treasures! Promessa closes today with a heart filled with gratitude!
