Tara Rempel

After experiencing numerous medical complications, of which no doctor could correctly diagnose, I finally found doctors with the rare combination of technical expertise and determination at Hospital for Special Surgery. As many months passed with no answers, I looked to Dr. Scott Rodeo, who right away showed compassion and validation for what I had been going through. As he ran several tests, he recognized that despite him not having a diagnosis for me, he believed a referral to Dr. Semih Gungor would give me just that. Dr. Rodeo proved to be correct, as Dr. Gungor provided me with my correct diagnosis the first time we met. As I was overwhelmed by a new diagnosis, Dr. Gungor sat and explained to me all there was to know, and went into the options for treatment extensively. Despite just being diagnosed with an incurable disorder, Dr. Gungor provided me with the support I was in desperate search for, and at follow up appointments he treated me as if I was his only patient. I might not have been able to be cured, but I was able to be restored. Upon receiving my diagnosis, I had to withdraw from graduate school, which I was in to pursue a degree in School Psychology. One year later, Hospital for Special Surgery put me "Back in the Game," as I was able to enroll again to pursue my passion, and my mission, which is to become a school psychologist.