Picture this: You’re out for a walk, the air is cool and crisp and your furry friend is at your side. Everything’s fine—until you spot a wisp of smoke rising from a house up ahead. At first, it seems harmless, maybe someone grilling. But you can’t quite shake that nagging feeling, so you knock on the door. An older woman answers, looking a little frazzled. You mention the smoke, asking if everything’s okay. She hesitates and nods but doesn’t move to check. You step away, but that nagging feeling lingers. The smoke isn’t fading—it’s thickening, darkening, spreading. That feeling intensifies, urging you into action. And before you know it, the house’s roof catches fire.
What do you do?
For Dr. Abhi Mehrotra, who leads the emergency departments at UNC Health’s Chapel Hill and Hillsborough hospitals, the next step was pure instinct. With years of practice and a calm demeanor, Dr. Mehrotra acted without hesitation.
A Simple Walk Turned Serious
Without a second thought, Dr. Mehrotra returned to the front door, knocking again with no answer. Spotting his neighbor in the window, unable to open the house’s door, he pulled out the screen to get her onto the sidewalk as flaming chunks of the roof fell around the entrance.
As the fire raged, the quick coordination of local fire, EMS and even other concerned neighbors took over. But it was Dr. Mehrotra’s proactiveness that set the tone. Containing the fire and assisting his neighbor was a collaborative effort—a true embodiment of the care and teamwork that UNC Health stands for.
In that moment, it wasn’t just Dr. Mehrotra’s knowledge and instincts that saved a life—it was the power of teamwork, compassion and decisive action. True greatness lies in knowing what to do when it matters most and having a team that stands ready to make a difference.
Still, Dr. Mehrotra doesn’t see of himself as a hero.
“I get a little shy around the idea of heroes. It’s just not who I am,” he says. “Doing the little things makes a difference to me.”
Coming Full Circle
Later that day, at work, Dr. Mehrotra’s first patient was one of the firefighters who had been injured when the roof collapsed. Struck by the coincidence, he reflected on how quickly things can go wrong—and how quickly others can step in to help.
That humbling reality only deepened his commitment to everyday greatness. The kind that shows up in small, everyday moments. Whether it’s a quiet moment with a patient, a simple check-in with a neighbor or taking the time to help someone in need, these actions make a bigger difference than we realize.
“It’s the small gestures that add up to a large impact,” he says.
It’s the Little Things
Dr. Mehrotra’s actions are a testament to the power of working together. While he worked to get his neighbor to safety, another neighbor had already called 911. And soon, firefighters and EMS arrived, each playing a critical role in containing the fire and keeping everyone safe. It was a collective effort and a timeless reminder that no one does it alone—just like at UNC Health. UNC Health is committed to delivering care built on collaboration and working to protect, heal and support every patient every time.
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