At CIBD, comprehensive care means supporting the whole person. It’s the team-based model that allows us to deliver the highest-quality care to patients and families living with blood disorders. (If you missed our first blog post explaining the importance of comprehensive care, you can read it here.)
Comprehensive care wouldn’t be possible without the dedicated team of experts working together to support every aspect of a patient’s health.
Today, we’re excited to highlight one of those team members.
Meet Michelle Romero, LCSW, Licensed Clinical Social Worker at CIBD. Michelle is an essential part of our interdisciplinary team, providing compassionate, knowledgeable support for patients and families day in and day out.
Understanding the Role of a Social Worker
Can you give a brief description of your role as a clinical social worker at CIBD?
At CIBD, my job as a clinical social worker is to help families take care of the things that can get in the way of treatment. If you’re wondering where your next meal will come from, how you’ll get to your next appointment, or anything else that adds stress, I want you to know we’ve got your back.
What are some of the most common challenges patients or families face when living with a blood disorder?
Many patients say this journey can feel like a lonely one. I want families to know that it doesn’t have to be lonely. There are community and educational events where you can connect with others who understand what you’re going through.
Our stories might not be the same, but there are people who can relate to yours—and you’re never truly on your own.
Bringing Comprehensive Care to Life
Why is a team-based approach so important for these conditions?
A team-based approach is important because it brings together a variety of perspectives on the same patient. Each discipline sees the patient through their own lens and offers insights that others might not notice. This collaboration helps the team gain a fuller understanding of the patient’s needs and allows us to be more thoughtful and considerate of their situation. Our expertise allows us to support the patient in making the best decision for themselves.
At the end of the day, it’s all about the patient and meeting them where they are.
What does a typical day look like for you in the clinic?
It’s tough to describe a ‘typical’ day because no two days are the same. Some days I’m focused on referrals and helping families get connected to resources, and other days I’m meeting with families or helping the team with whatever unexpected things come up. 
Building a Healthier Future Together
What are you hopeful about as we start a new year of caring for our community?
I’m hopeful because I’ve seen how much things can change for the better. I used to work in hemophilia years ago and then stepped away from the field for almost 10 years. When I came back, I was honestly shocked at how much treatment had advanced and how many more options patients had. Seeing that kind of progress makes me really excited and hopeful for what’s still ahead and what we can continue to offer our community.
If I could tell every patient one thing, it would be “Push with discomfort but pull with hope.”
It’s a powerful reminder that although the path can feel heavy at times, hope is what lightens the load and keeps families moving toward brighter possibilities.
Social workers like Michelle help make comprehensive care possible by ensuring patients never have to navigate challenges alone. From emotional support to resource connection to advocacy, Michelle plays an invaluable role in the patient experience at CIBD.
Empowering Patients Every Step of the Way
We’re grateful for Michelle’s dedication, and we’re proud to have her as part of our care team.
Want to learn more about comprehensive care? Visit our website or check out the comprehensive care blog post for more resources.