Committed to Care: Federal agent grateful for miraculous recovery, support at Orange Park Medical

Drew Stokes considers himself “just a regular guy” – a federal agent, an avid CrossFitter and a family man who loved traveling the world. But his life was almost tragically cut short when he was gunned down last September in broad daylight at a local grocery store. Trained in combat medicine, Stokes took a part of his survival and recovery into his own hands – Orange Park Medical Center did the rest.

“As part of my training, a component of survival is a positive mental attitude,” Stokes explained. “When I was laying on the ground, I said, ‘You’re going to live. You’re going to make it through this, there’s no doubt about it.’”

Stokes was rushed to the emergency room at HCA Healthcare’s Orange Park Medical Center, where he underwent approximately 10 surgeries over the course of 30 days.

“That team of people – I haven’t met all of them yet – but I can’t put into words how I feel about that man, his team, his leadership and the skills he has with his hands,” Stokes said of lead trauma surgeon Elias Tsirakoglou, D.O., and the surgical teams that saved his life.

Orange Park Medical caregivers and the Greater Jacksonville community showed up to support Scott and his extended family in their physical and emotional recovery, too. The hospital hosted a blood drive where there was more than a five-hour wait to donate blood, and community restaurants gifted food for Stoke’s colleagues who arrived in droves to support him during his hospital stay.

“Obviously, it’s overwhelming to have more than 100 cops show up when you’re not prepared for it, and then figure out a way to let them be a part of my recovery. Allowing these guys to come in here and grieve, and help my wife – it was a big deal. The hospital didn’t have to do that. I’m glad they did.”

Watch Drew’s story to see him reunite with the caregivers whose Commitment to Care helped not only his recovery but the healing of his family and friends as well.

HCA Healthcare internal audience can view the video here. 

In 1968, HCA Healthcare was conceived by two physicians and an accomplished business leader — Dr. Thomas Frist Sr., Dr. Thomas Frist Jr., and Jack Massey. This year, HCA Healthcare celebrates its golden anniversary and the culture of caring established by our three founders 50 years ago. To help us celebrate our 50th year, we’ll share stories here that reflect HCA Healthcare’s mission – above all else, the care and improvement of human life – and our pledge to improve life and make history for the next 50 years and beyond.