Dr. David B.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
By: Laura C.

Health Care Professional & Survivor

I would like to recognize Dr. David Bechtel, who is a stroke survivor who has made an incredible recovery as a result of hard work, perseverance, and strong support by his wife and other family members. He is an emergency physician, and in that role has cared for stroke patients.

Since his stroke he has spent literally thousands of hours in speech therapy, spending at times eight hours a day working to regain his language capabilities. After years of effort fueled by a determined spirit he passed his board exams and hopes to return to his passion of patient care soon. Dr. Bechtel was introduced to me by a colleague and I invited him and his wife to present their story at a stroke quality improvement collaborative meeting attended by stroke coordinators from the majority of acute care hospitals in Massachusetts. Their talk was inspiring, motivational, and very moving. They received a standing ovation from the teary-eyed audience. His story is one of hope and determination and should be shared.