The Patient Is U - TPIU

05/08/2026

In Loving Memory of Claudio Pannunzio

The TPIU Board mourns the passing of Claudio Pannunzio, our beloved Chairman of the Board.

Claudio’s compassionate leadership, wisdom, and unwavering commitment helped strengthen TPIU’s mission and amplify the belief that patient‑centered, compassionate healthcare truly changes lives. A two‑time cancer survivor, Claudio dedicated his life to serving others—supporting patients, families, and caregivers with kindness, mindfulness, and hope.

He will be remembered for his generosity, spirituality, and deep conviction that compassion belongs at the heart of healthcare. We extend our deepest sympathy to his wife, Gabriella, and to all who loved him.

His legacy will continue to guide and inspire our work.

04/12/2026

Governor Lamont Declares April 9th “The Patient Is U Day” in Connecticut.

We are honored to share that Governor Ned Lamont has officially proclaimed April 9th as The Patient Is U (TPIU) Day in the State of Connecticut — recognizing that compassion is not an optional part of healthcare, but a core component of quality care.

Leaders, legislators, patients, and members of the TPIU board gathered at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford to celebrate this milestone and reaffirm a simple truth:

Every patient deserves to be treated as if The Patient Is U.

📜 Proclamation Presentation

Representative Kai Belton presented the Governor’s Proclamation, marking April 9th as TPIU Day and calling on providers, policymakers, and community members to reflect on the importance of compassionate care across Connecticut.

💚 A Call to Action
As Dr. KJ Lee, TPIU founder, shared in his closing remarks:
Compassion is how we listen, how we speak, and how we care.

This proclamation is not only an honor—it is an invitation for all of us to bring humanity into every healthcare encounter.

🎥 Watch the Full Ceremony
We invite you to watch the full event and hear these powerful stories firsthand:
👉 https://ct-n.com/ctnplayer.asp?odID=26307

Thank you to everyone who joined us, supported us, and continues to champion compassionate care.

The Patient Is U. Always.

03/24/2026

10th TPIU Patient Bill of Rights: Transparent Billing
Clarity Is Compassion.

When Daniel received a large bill, he panicked. A billing coordinator sat with him, explained every line, and helped create a manageable plan. "For the first time, I understood what I was paying for," he said.

Financial clarity is a form of compassion - patients deserve honesty, not confusion.

👉️ Nominate a provider who went above and beyond: https://tpiu.org/nominate/

03/19/2026

9th TPIU Patient Bill of Rights: A Trustworthy Environment
Healing Begins Where You Feel Safe.

After years of medical anxiety, Priya noticed something different - calm spaces, clear signs, and staff who guided her gently. "It felt like a place where good things could happen," she said.

A safe, welcoming environment builds confidence and reduces fear.

🧡 Share your experience in the comments
👉️ Nominate a provider: https://tpiu.org/nominate/

03/18/2026

🌿 Today is the 3rd Annual Health Workforce Well-being Day! 🌿

At The Patient is U (TPIU), we believe compassionate care begins with supporting the people who provide it. When clinicians, caregivers, and all members of the health workforce are well—physically, emotionally, and mentally—patients feel the difference.
This national day is a powerful reminder that well-being is not a nice-to-have—it’s essential.

A thriving workforce leads to safer care, stronger connections, and better outcomes for every patient we serve.

💛 As we advocate for a more empathetic and equitable healthcare experience, we stand with the National Academy of Medicine and organizations across the country in reaffirming our commitment to a culture where caregivers are valued, supported, and heard.

Learn more about Health Workforce Well-being Day and how you can get involved:

👉 https://nam.edu/our-work/programs/clinician-resilience-and-well-being/health-workforce-well-being-day/

Let’s celebrate, uplift, and honor the people who make compassionate care possible—today and every day.

Health Workforce Well-Being Day promotes solutions to support the well-being of health workers and patient care. Recognize the national Day and take action!

03/17/2026

8th TPIU Patient Bill of Rights: Respectful & Professional Staff
Kindness Is Part of the Treatment.

During a difficult treatment, Henry says a medical assistant became the bright spot of every visit - remembering his kids names and explaining each step with dignity.
"She made me feel human," he said.

Every interaction matters - from the first hello to the final follow-up.

🧡 Know a compassionate care team member?
👉️ Nominate them: https://tpiu.org/nominate/

03/12/2026

7th TPIU Patient Bill of Rights : Pleasant Check-In & Reasonable Wait
A Warm Welcome Changes Everything.

Sofia arrived anxious about a new diagnosis. The receptionist greeted her by name, offered water, and explained the short wait. "It felt like they were expecting me," she said.
Small moments set the tone for the entire visit.

🧡 Has a provider made care feel easier?
👉️ Nominate them: https://tpiu.org/nominate/

TPIU Compassionate HealthCare Patient Bill of Rights The standard Patient’s Bill of Rights is an important set of rights and responsibilities that provide for basic healthcare.  To improve upon this basic healthcare, TPIU has developed a supplemental set of standards:  The TPIU Compassionate He...

03/10/2026

6th TPIU Patient Bill of Rights: Efficient Appointment Process
Care Starts Before You Walk In.

Robert dreaded scheduling a specialist - until one office handled everything ahead of time. Appointments, paperwork, insurance. "It felt like someone cleared the path for me," he said.

Efficiency reduces stress and builds trust long before the visit begins.

🧡 Has a provider made care feel easier?
👉️ Nominate them: https://tpiu.org/nominate/

03/05/2026

5th TPIU Patient Bill of Rights: Timely & Sensitive Test Results
Waiting Is Hard. Compassion Helps.

After a biopsy, Linda expected days of silence. Instead, her provider called that evening - calmly explaining results and answering questions. "Even in a scary moment, I wasn't alone," she said.

Timely, sensitive communication reduces fear and builds trust.

🧡 Has a provider shown compassion when it mattered most?
👉️ Nominate them: https://tpiu.org/nominate/

03/03/2026

4th TPIU Patient Bill of Rights: Being Seen as a Whole Person
See the Person, Not Just the Diagnosis.

When Malik came in for chronic back pain, his provider asked about his life , his job, his family, what mattered most. Learning he was a single dad changed the entire care plan.
"Someone finally saw me," Malik said.

Whole-person care honors lives, values, and circumstances � not just symptoms.

🧡 Share your experience in the comments
👉️ Or nominate a provider for a Compassionate Provider award: https://tpiu.org/nominate/