15 September 2020

It is my honor to write this letter of recommendation for Christine Bruce. I worked with Ms. Bruce July
2017 through July 2020, in my role as the Associate Director for Mental Health Services at U.S. Naval
Hospital Okinawa, Japan. Throughout this time, Ms. Bruce demonstrated unparalleled motivation to
excel and serve her patients in an enthusiastic and benevolent manner. First and foremost, Ms. Bruce is
an intelligent and compassionate individual, but her skills and talents, and her ability to thrive in any
environment are the qualities that set her far apart from her peers. She demonstrates a compassion
toward patients that is unmistakable.

Ms. Bruce is patient and kind, and has an exceptional way of leading and educating our staff that
upholds our values in caring for mental health patients, while also taking care of each other. In addition
to her primary clinical duties, Ms. Bruce is always seeking out ways to enhance clinic practices, and to
include peer support at the peak of a pandemic, which in turn deliver excellent patient care. These are
just a few of the many examples that demonstrate her outstanding skills and adaptability. What is most
admirable about Ms. Bruce is that she takes on all opportunities with compassion, charisma, and a
positive attitude. It is obvious that she cares deeply about the impact of mental health on the well-being
of others. Ms. Bruce’s attributes are unique and sincere, and she has a natural affinity for working well
with others and in a variety of settings.

I had the pleasure of working directly with Ms. Bruce and find that she excels at everything she sets out
to do. Her professional fulfillment lies in a vast, yet varied, workload. She is no stranger to the medical
field, having experience in a variety of settings within this hospital for over twelve years. Ms. Bruce
worked as an intern with the Outpatient Mental Health clinic, then proceeded to obtain her certification
as Psychiatric Technician and subsequently a Licensed Professional Counselor, to best serve our
vulnerable patient population; and is consistently seeking out ways to challenge herself and increase her
knowledge. She enjoys the diversity of the mental health profession and possesses a passion for others
that is unrivaled and genuine. As a physician in the Military Health System, I am honored to serve
alongside her.

During the time that I have known her, she has continuously expressed her enthusiasm for her work and
passion for the lives that she affects in such a positive way. I have full confidence that Ms. Bruce would
be a great asset to any organization. She has demonstrated exceptional training, technical proficiencies,
work ethic, and interpersonal skills. I have no doubt that you would enjoy working with her. She has my
highest recommendation.

Very respectfully,

Aidith Flores-Carrera, DO, FAPA

Commander, Medical Corps, United States Navy
Diplomate, American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology