WRNMMC, Bethesda, Md.   –   Navy Cmdr. (Dr.) Monique Gourdine-Shaw, a board-certified podiatric surgeon in the Department of orthopedics and podiatry, has been recognized for her exceptional leadership and commitment to patient care. In a letter from a grateful patient, Gourdine-Shaw was praised for her commitment to optimizing health, safety, and readiness on September 27, 2023.

In the letter, the patient expressed gratitude for the "amazing care and support over the past several months.”

When asked what this recognition meant to her, Gourdine-Shaw stated, "Every day, I try to meet the mission of optimizing health, safety, and readiness. The meaningful recognition and positive feedback reflected in the letter genuinely acknowledged my leadership. It reinforced what I did and how my actions made a difference in the lives of others."

The patient went on to add, “While it goes without saying what an exceptional doctor you are, I wish to commend you for your leadership and caring professionalism as a U.S. naval officer. It has been a privilege to be under your care!”

As a clinical leader, champion of safety culture, and catalyst for quality improvement, Gourdine-Shaw also serves as the Deputy Director for Quality, with an understanding of the importance of her two-fold role in the military health system and Walter Reed organization – providing patient care as a board-certified, fellowship-trained podiatric surgeon, and serving as the deputy director for quality.

"The patients we serve give me a reason to come to work. I love being part of a team committed to a culture of achieving zero harm with a patient-centered focus on safety and quality of care," said Gourdine-Shaw. "We are the Flagship of the Military Health System and the President's hospital; therefore, it is always an honor and a privilege to have a patient acknowledge that they appreciate the care provided."

The Pennsauken, New Jersey native shared that she's "privileged to be a part of a Military Health System  that relies on high-reliability practices to improve patient care and ensure its mission of sustaining a medically ready force and a ready medical force while providing safe, high-quality care for all patients and their families."

Also adding, "As I see it, we are "One Team" with a sense of shared responsibility.

Walter Reed is proud to have LCDR Gourdine-Shaw as a member of its team and congratulates her on this well-deserved recognition.