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We're excited to announce that Eeva Caldara, MS, FNP-BC, has joined the Better Health Advisors team. Eeva is a Family Nurse Practitioner with extensive healthcare experience, most recently as part of the NYU Langone Health system in New York City. She has worked with patients in various clinical settings including breast medical oncology, breast surgical oncology, plastic surgery, and gynecologic oncology.
As a Senior Health Advisor, Eeva will educate patients and their families about health issues, provide guidance on finding top doctors, coordinate care between providers, and more. We invited her to answer a few questions so that you can get to know her better.
Q&A with Eeva Caldara
What inspired you to pursue healthcare as a career?
I felt called to enter the nursing field at a young age, because I've always been an extremely empathetic person. As a kid, I was very compassionate and loving towards people when they were upset or in need, and that segued into my professional career as a nurse. I feel very rewarded, personally and professionally, when I'm helping people.
What interests you about health advisory?
I’ve seen firsthand how important it is for patients to be able to navigate the healthcare system. Most people don’t understand the system well enough to manage their own care, so health advisors really make a difference. Health advisory is a great opportunity for people to have individualized assessments, get support and guidance on better treatment options, and address whatever clinical needs they have.
At BHA, you're teamed up with a social worker. How does this approach benefit patients?
As a nurse practitioner, I've worked in various clinical environments, including inpatient and outpatient settings. I have a general understanding of an immense amount of medical information, while a social worker has experience with all of the other healthcare services, like mental health, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. We bring different sets of skills and expertise together to come up with a comprehensive plan of action. We address people's health concerns in a holistic way.
Why is patient education an important part of health advisory?
Patient education improves health outcomes. It helps people understand their health concerns so they can care for themselves at home. For example, when someone starts a new medication, they need to know what side effects to look out for.
We involve their family members, home health aides, and even talk with their other doctors to make sure that we're all working together as a team. A lot of information is covered during a doctor's visit, and it can be overwhelming. I always like to talk with the patient and actively listen, so I can address their questions and concerns and do a deeper dive. We want them to know they can always call us if there's anything they don't understand.
What do you like to do when you're not working?
I live in New York City, and I love living here. On a nice day, I like exploring different neighborhoods and different shops, walking around Central Park, trying new restaurants, or going to a museum.
If you or a loved one need help accessing great healthcare, reach out to an expert health advisor for support throughout the process.
