By: Kim Caviness

When a surgeon needs surgery, who does he turn to?

For one Evanston local doctor, it was NorthShore Orthopaedic & Spine Institute surgeon Steven D. Levin, MD.

It all started during a softball game. Randy Hassen, MD—who is not professionally affiliated with any Chicagoland hospital system—fell on his arm and tore his shoulder. Badly.

“I was in excruciating pain … At the ripe old age of 61, I knew I needed help,” Hassen writes in a 2-page letter to NorthShore’s CEO J.P. Gallagher. “I knew I needed to find an excellent surgeon to return my shoulder to its original condition, so I could have the best chance of maintaining my current active lifestyle. After researching my options, I discovered orthopedic surgeon Steven Levin.”

Watch a surprised Dr. Levin read his grateful patient’s note in this moving video. An appreciative message was the last thing Dr. Levin expected when the NorthShore video team handed him an unmarked blue box to open.

“What’s in here, a rabbit?” asked Levin, only half-joking.

Calling out NorthShore team members for their exceptional, personalized caring is what our ongoing “NorthShoreGrateful: Patient Letters Special Delivery” series is all about.

As you’ll see, Hassen also praises the Skokie Orthopaedic & Spine Center PT staff. “As a former practicing physician and surgeon, I felt compelled to write this thank you letter to the entire orthopedic healthcare team that were involved in my serious rotator cuff surgery and physical rehabilitation. I am so grateful for the successful outcome. One huge THANK YOU to all,” he writes.

Watch for yourself why Hassen is so grateful—and what Levin has to say about his former patient in return!

Thank you, Steven D. Levin, MD. And thank you, NorthShore community, for taking the time to let our team members know how much you value them. We are grateful for you.

Who are you #NorthShoreGrateful for? Let us know! We might even surprise that healthcare professional with a video of your special delivery—for all to see!

Share your letter or commend a colleague by clicking here.