On April 28, 2023, Rebecca McCorkle became oddly fatigued and experienced trouble breathing. Alarmed, her dad drove her to the WakeMed Garner Healthplex.

The care team ordered blood work, a computed tomography (CT) scan and X-rays, noting the seriousness of her symptoms. She was diagnosed with pneumonia.

Pneumonia Signs and Symptoms

Pneumonia can be due to many different viruses and bacteria. It can be mild or life-threatening. People may experience a variety of symptoms — from a typical cough and fever, to subtle belly pain, rapid breathing, vomiting and/or poor feeding in young children and infants.

An Urgent Transport to the Emergency Department

Fearing Rebecca might have a blood clot, the team transported her to WakeMed Raleigh Campus Emergency Department.

Rebecca recalls, “I was admitted and immediately started on fluids, medication and oxygen.”

While in the hospital, Rebecca experienced the most compassionate care. Her day time nurse, Megan, attended to her every need.

“Megan was amazing. Her care was so seamless. I never asked for anything because she provided for my needs before I had a chance to ask. From personal care, to meals and sanitation, she had it taken care of right away.”

Rebecca also had a wonderful night nurse. During the evening, she regularly checked on Rebecca and even offered her comfort when she suffered a significant loss while in the hospital.

“She was wonderful. My grandmother died while I was in the hospital, so she sat with me, gave me a hug and remained with me for as long as I needed, providing support and comfort.”

On May 1, once stabilized, the team discharged Rebecca home and urged her to follow-up with her primary care provider since she had a lingering cough.

A Visit with Her Favorite Provider

Relieved to be out of the hospital and feeling stronger, Rebecca scheduled a visit with her favorite provider, WakeMed Primary Care’s Vickie Fowler, MD.

Glowing, Rebecca shares, “She’s awesome. She listens carefully. She doesn’t make me feel rushed. I’ve been struggling with my weight off and on, and she’s not judgmental at all. She’s very thorough. I’d developed a problem with coughing at night time that grew worse at the onset of pneumonia, and I was confident that she would care and help me.”

Dr. Fowler explored the possibility of allergies and newly developed asthma during the visit. She provided Rebecca with an inhaler to relieve her coughing spasms.

Dr. Fowler comments, “I approach each visit with the intention to partner with my patients in their health care. I want to bring compassion and empathy to the exam room to provide my patients with guidance that promotes healthy lifestyle changes and improves their health while building a trusting relationship. I want my patients to not only be heard but to also feel heard during our time together. I am here for them, even between office visits, to address their concerns.”

A Return to Better Health

Today, Rebecca is feeling much better, and she reflects on her time with WakeMed fondly.

“Every single provider I have encountered at WakeMed has been so thorough. No one has made me feel rushed or like a hypochondriac. I never wanted for anything during my hospital stay. I’m recovered and back at work because of the excellent care I received and continue to receive at WakeMed.”

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About WakeMed Emergency Care

The WakeMed system of emergency departments is one of the largest and busiest in North Carolina. As a result, we’ve pretty much seen it all. Our doctors are board certified in emergency medicine, are backed by the highest designated Trauma Center available and bring with them the depth of experience that you would expect from the area’s leader in emergency care.

So, rest assured that no matter where it hurts we’ve got you covered.

About WakeMed Primary Care

WakeMed Physician Practices features board-certified primary care, internal medicine and family medicine physicians conveniently located throughout the Triangle.

Our exceptional and compassionate providers and care teams pride themselves on developing long-term relationships with their patients and their families.