Caregiver Spotlight
PHP Caregiver Spotlight: Nichole Guilfoy
17 October 2024
Nichole Guilfoy joined Providence Health Plan (PHP) just over two years ago, bringing a wealth of experience in occupational health and safety. As a Health Management Consultant, Nichole's role is unique and multifaceted, reflecting PHP's commitment to holistic care and employee well-being.
Nichole's journey navigating health care began young. Throughout her childhood, she experienced mysterious illnesses and was diagnosed with an enlarged heart. At just three years old, she underwent life-saving open-heart surgery performed by the renowned cardiac surgeon Dr. Albert Starr. Despite ongoing medical struggles, Nichole remained determined to live life to the fullest and help others do the same.
Nichole's path to PHP was anything but conventional. With a background as a practitioner and consultant in translational research, she was drawn to PHP through a combination of professional connections and personal experience.
"I chose PHP because years ago, I was the internal safety and health Director for a big client of ours," Nichole explains. "We were interviewing carriers for renewal, and it was the first time I'd really interacted with PHP. Although they weren't my first choice initially, I quickly learned the value they bring."
According to Nichole, PHP's approach to care and relationships sets it apart. PHP offers highly personalized care at every level of the organization. "We have some of the best provider relationships in the state of Oregon," Nichole says.
Nichole's expertise lies in the Total Worker Health® framework, which integrates health protection and health promotion with organizational structures that influence safety, health, and well-being. Her role at PHP allows her to apply this knowledge by ensuring every member is empowered to prioritize their health and well-being.
As an employee and heart health advocate, Nichole emphasizes the crucial role employers play in promoting wellness and preventive care. She encourages businesses to prioritize employee well-being through workplace policies, access to healthcare, and stress mitigation programs, as she believes that healthy employees are more productive and engaged.
A big part of her role includes helping organizations create safe, healthy, and productive workplaces, as well as developing interventions and messaging that are meaningful to frontline workers and their families.
"My role is to help organizations create safe, healthy, and productive workplaces for their employees," Nichole summarizes. "We reach not only the employee in the workplace but their families at home."
Nichole's personal experiences and her dedication to heart health serve as a testament to the importance of early detection, proactive care, and the transformative power of resilience.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Nichole's health challenges escalated when she was diagnosed with a rare vascular disorder called Segmental Arterial Mediolysis (SAM), which causes the degeneration of the vascular system. While this condition is can be fatal for patients, Nichole's unwavering spirit has allowed her to navigate this new chapter with unwavering resilience.
Nichole's passion for her work and dedication to PHP's mission is evident. PHP is grateful to be a part of her story, which inspires others to prioritize heart health and support one another in our collective journey toward wellness.
