For Gadwin Solera, every patient room at UPMC Williamsport holds more than a checklist of responsibilities, it holds an opportunity to make a human connection.
As an Environmental Services associate, Gadwin’s role is essential to maintaining a clean and safe environment for patients and care teams. But what sets him apart is his belief that his work goes far beyond disinfectants and protocols. For Gadwin, every interaction is a chance to bring comfort, compassion, and even joy, sometimes in the form of an unexpected song.
Not long ago, Gadwin noticed a patient who seemed especially withdrawn. While he followed AIDET principles and completed his cleaning routine, he couldn’t ignore what he felt beneath the surface.
“She was always so sad and lonely,” he recalled. “Because I’m a happy person, I feel it when someone else is not.”
Rather than simply moving on to his next task, Gadwin chose to act. Born in the Philippines, he has always valued cultural connection and understanding. When he realized the patient was Korean, he decided to try something small but meaningful — speaking a few Korean words he had picked up through music and television.
The impact was immediate.
“I got her attention right away,” he said. “She looked at me, and I knew I found a way to connect.”
Encouraged, Gadwin took it a step further. He asked if she liked music. When she said yes, he began to sing a Korean song.
In that moment, everything changed.
“Her eyes filled with happiness,” he said. “Her face changed. That moment, it felt like I won the lottery.”
When Gadwin returned later, the transformation was clear. The patient was more engaged, more present and excited to see him again.
Moments like this are what inspire Gadwin every day. He brings not only empathy into his work, but creativity as well. In addition to singing, he often folds origami flowers to share with patients, sometimes pairing them with a familiar tune to brighten their day.
“It’s simple things,” he said. “But simple things mean a lot.”
Gadwin’s path to UPMC Williamsport has been anything but ordinary. Before moving to the United States seven years ago, he worked as a college professor, teaching educational management and psychology, while also serving as a high school teacher.
When he arrived in the U.S., he took on work in hotel housekeeping while working tirelessly to strengthen his English. Determined to grow, he immersed himself in the language, watching daytime television shows like The Young and the Restless and The Bold and the Beautiful with subtitles, practicing conversations, and challenging himself daily.
“I challenged myself every day,” he said. “I knew I had to grow.”
Just a few months ago, Gadwin joined UPMC Williamsport. Though stepping into a hospital environment felt new — and at times intimidating — he embraced the opportunity with purpose.
“I believe there is a reason why I’m here,” he said. “This is my way to serve.”
That sense of purpose shapes how he views his role within the care team. To Gadwin, Environmental Services is not just about cleaning, it’s about contributing to the healing process in ways both seen and unseen.
“We help lessen the burden of the doctors and nurses. We all work hand in hand for the patient,” he said. “What can I offer aside from cleaning? How can I make a difference?”
For Gadwin, the answer lies in small, human moments — a smile, a song, a handmade flower. These gestures may seem simple, but their impact can be profound.
“Even in a short time,” he said, “you can replace pain with happiness.”
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