Teammate Spotlight on Vimala Thomas

Vimala Thomas began her career at Faith Presbyterian Hospice (FPH) and the T. Boone Pickens Hospice Center (TBPHC) in September of 2012, where she serves as a Chaplain and Spiritual Care Counselor. In her role, she provides spiritual support to patients, families, caregivers and teammates. We caught up with Vimala for a Q and A to learn more about her. Read about this compassionate teammate below.

What are you passionate about regarding your professional role?
Professionally, I’m passionate about supporting our patients and their families as they share their feelings (joys, struggles, hopes, losses) and any unfinished business. I want to help them find peace and comfort during their transition. I encourage patients to reflect on their lives and share their stories, guiding them to connect with God or a higher power. I want to help patients and families feel valued, in control and heard. I remind them that they are not alone, someone is there to listen, understand and walk with them on their final journey.

Favorite memory/moment to date during your time at FPH:
My favorite memories are from attending Interdisciplinary Group (IDG) meetings, where I can connect with my teammates. I especially enjoy the jokes that Ben, one of our nurses, shares during those meetings. I also enjoy our teammate holiday parties and all-staff meetings which give me the opportunity to meet and talk with new teammates.

What do you think sets FPH apart from other hospice services?
FPH is a patient-focused nonprofit and we remember that “patients come first.” We’re encouraged to make our patients’ final days as comfortable and peaceful as possible. My time at FPH has been very rewarding, and I have many wonderful memories that I’ll carry with me into retirement one day.

What is something that makes you feel proud?
I feel most proud when I hear patients, their families or my teammates express appreciation for my work. Many patients have shared how much comfort they find in my ministry and prayers. I take pride in being able to carry out these important responsibilities, as well as in training and mentoring new teammates.

On the weekend, you can find me:
On the weekend, you can usually find me at the church where my husband serves as lead pastor. We spend time with our church members, talking to them and offering pastoral care. I also enjoy cooking Indian dishes and relaxing with a good book.

What are some of your favorite foods and restaurants?
My favorite foods are fish, chicken, Minestrone soup and vegetables. Saltgrass, Silver Fox and Pappadeaux are my favorite restaurants.

Share about your family:
My husband and I have been married for 45 years, and we have two grown children. Our daughter, Deena, is married to Dieter and they have two active boys, Shalom (age 10) and Amalesh (age 7). Our son, Avinash, lives in New York.

How would your friends describe you in three words?
My friends would describe me as: helpful, supportive and compassionate.

What’s something that people might be surprised to learn about you?
I’m usually quiet and keep a low profile, so people are often pleasantly surprised to learn about my profession. They are also typically surprised to discover I’m highly experienced and that I’m dedicated to providing personal spiritual support to anyone in need.