An Unexpected Stop, an Unforgettable Experience: Compassionate Emergency Care at Covenant Health LeConte

What began as a routine drive home from a business trip turned into an unforgettable testament to the power of compassionate and patient-centered emergency care at Covenant Health LeConte.

Dan Boggs, a resident of Greenville, South Carolina, is business manager for a metrology company. Before obtaining degrees from the University of Kentucky, Boggs worked as a paramedic and flight medic, giving him a unique perspective on healthcare.

LeConte Emergency Department Experience

While passing through Tennessee, Boggs made a stop in Sevierville to get something to eat. It was at this moment when everything changed.

“I started to feel lightheaded and dizzy,” Boggs recalled. “The room began to spin, and then everything went dark.” After this episode, he regained consciousness and came to the emergency department at Covenant Health LeConte. “I didn’t even sit down in the waiting room. They got me back immediately,” he said. “I was triaged and then brought into a room right away.”

Compassionate Emergency Care

From the start, Boggs noticed something different about his experience at Covenant Health LeConte. “The nursing staff was wonderful, warm and attentive,” he said. “I’ve been through a lot since 2019. I’ve had double-bypass surgery and a broken spine, so I’ve seen a lot of healthcare. Usually, you just get what needs to be done, and that’s it, but this experience was different. The nurses here truly connected with me. It was refreshing.”

Callie Temple, RN, said, “it was a pleasure to take care of Mr. Boggs! I take pride in my job and love taking care of people. We see quite a bit of out-of-town patients, and I always try to make their experience here at LeConte the best it can be. No one likes to come to the hospital, especially when they are out of town, so if I can at least make my patients smile and feel safe in my care, then I am doing my job. Patients like Mr. Boggs remind me of why I became a registered nurse.”

Emergency physician Aaron Schott, MD, also made a positive impression on Boggs. “Dr. Schott focused entirely on me. He wasn’t distracted by everything going on around him. He made me feel like I was his only patient. I was impressed a great deal,” he said.

“We have such a unique opportunity at LeConte Medical Center to treat a diverse patient population from both our surrounding community, as well as vacationers from across the country,” said Dr. Schott. “We look forward to continuing our tradition of excellence, bringing the latest emergency medical treatments to those in their greatest time of need.”

LeConte Medical-Surgical Unit Experience

After identifying blood in Boggs’ stool, Dr. Schott admitted him to the hospital for additional care, including bloodwork, IV fluids and close monitoring. Boggs said his nurses provided compassionate care and comfort throughout his stay.

The next day, his wife arrived with clothes and essentials, staying by his side as the LeConte team and hospitalist Nathan Smith, MD, continued to care for him. Once lab results showed improvement, Dr. Smith discharged Boggs and arranged follow-up care with a gastrointestinal clinic near his home. Boggs is now feeling great and continues to follow up with his GI doctor.

Reflecting on His Care

Reflecting on his experience, Boggs did not hesitate to recommend Covenant Health LeConte.

“I wanted to share my story to give praise and accolades to the LeConte emergency department and medical-surgical unit. The team members and physicians are what made my visit the best it possibly could have been,” he said. “I would absolutely recommend Covenant Health LeConte to anyone in the area because of the way they cared for me in my moment of need.”

Learn More

Covenant Health LeConte emergency department is located at 742 Middle Creek Road and is open 24/7. For more information, please visit our website.