LifeSaver Award Series: Dr. Martin Lee, MultiCare Auburn Medical Center

Each month, LifeCenter Northwest selects a LifeSaver Award winner. This award honors and recognizes those who demonstrate a commitment to improving donation outcomes and culture through their actions, time and energy.

We are pleased to present this month’s LifeSaver Award to Dr. Martin Lee of MultiCare Auburn Medical Center in Auburn, Wash.! Dr. Lee was nominated by our clinical staff for his outstanding compassion and unwavering support throughout a recent donation case.

“Throughout the entire week of the case, Dr. Lee was one of the best doctors to work with,” said Sarah Jeter, a LifeCenter Northwest Organ Recovery Coordinator. “Not only was he conscious of being a wonderful doctor to the patient, he was an advocate for organ donation, asked wonderful questions, and went out of his way to make sure everything we needed was taken care of.”

During this case, a gravely ill patient communicated their decision to withdraw life support with the intent that they become an organ donor. Ultimately, organ recovery was not possible because the patient did not die within the timeframe required for organ donation after circulatory death. However, this case still powerfully embodies the spirit of hope and altruism that drives donation and saves lives.

“Dr. Lee had excellent bedside skills and was very tender with this patient’s spouse,” added Lisa Eastman, a LifeCenter Northwest Donation and Family Advocate. “When the patient did not arrest in the timeframe needed, he was very compassionate and mentioned how it was such an honorable decision for the patient and the family to try. This led to the spouse mentioning how hopeful they were that the patient could still donate tissue and how positive that was in helping so many people.”

“I am very humbled and honored to receive this wonderful award and I remember this patient’s case well, especially how the LifeCenter team went above and beyond to ensure everything proceeded smoothly and professionally,” said Dr. Lee. “They, along with our excellent nursing staff, gave the patient and their spouse the best possible experience one could hope for in such a difficult situation.

“I am grateful that I could play a small part in the process and I’m happy to receive this recognition on behalf of the entire Auburn Medical Center team,” he concluded. “Our commitment to organ donation remains strong, now and in the future, as we continue to best serve the needs of our community.” We are proud to honor Dr. Lee with this month’s LifeSaver Award for being an excellent hospital partner, honoring donation decisions and helping donor families find meaning in the gift of life.