Making a Difference: October 2017 highlights

Employees across Michigan Medicine continue to make a difference through their hard work and dedication. Recognizing the contributions employees make to the organization helps the team to become more motivated, drives better teamwork and gives each individual a sense that they are an integral part of achieving organizational goals.

Here are just a few examples of how faculty and staff helped Michigan Medicine provide exceptional care and service last month:

Peer recognition

Kristin Knowles, patient services assistant, ACS Dexter Family Practice

Kristin is a rock star. A patient of ours called after being discharged from the hospital because he had no ride and no money. Kristin spent almost 45 minutes calling around to get him a safe ride home. I admire her passion and commitment to taking care of her fellow humans — she is amazing.

Sam Cavanaugh, registered nurse, CVC 4 – ICU

Sam took the time out of her night on multiple occasions to pray in Spanish with a primarily Spanish-speaking patient. This not only helped create a good rapport with the patient and staff, but helped to comfort the patient through his health care challenges. Thanks for going above and beyond for your patients, Sam!

John Miller, app systems analyst/programmer senior, HITS

No matter the project, John remains calm, positive and responsive in a hectic development environment and has been able to react quickly and well to multiple changes in expectations, deliverables and deadlines. John is one of the organization’s very best both in aptitude and attitude. Thank you, John!

Patient to staff

Nursing – 9C/D adult psych unit

Everyone was so nice and accepting, patient, gracious, helpful and caring during my stay. All of them worked as a team to save my life and help me get healthy. I am so grateful for the special care they gave me. They all deserve to be honored for the work they do as they help patients find their way.

Shelle Manning, patient services associate, CVC 3 – outpatient clinic

I came a day early for my appointment (a two-hour drive) and Shelle made arrangements for me to see doctor and avoid another trip. And she did it all with patience and a warm smile. She made me feel comfortable and not aloof (sic) for coming on the wrong day. Thanks Shelle!

Family to staff

Lauren Whitt, registered nurse, emergency services

Lauren took excellent care of my husband while he was having an allergic reaction. She was knowledgeable, thorough and funny while she helped us to understand what was going on. She even went well beyond her job description by letting us borrow a phone charger while we waited the required few hours after an injection so we could entertain ourselves with trivia games and call our parents. Not only did Lauren give my husband excellent medical care, but she was genuinely compassionate in the process. I just wanted to make sure she knows that we were impressed by and grateful for her help.

Michele Mason, medical assistant associate, Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery Clinic

Michele made sure my child wasn’t scared, made her feel comfortable, was kind and went the extra mile as she worked to redo her cast. Her work was done neatly, looked good and felt comfortable. She also took extra time to put glitter on the cast — making my daughter’s day! Michele truly made a difference when it came to helping my child smile during a “doctors” visit. Thank you, Michele, for your impressive compassion!

Carolyn Hale, registered nurse, 8W Brandon ICU

I had the privilege of getting to know Carrie while she took care of my baby. I noticed very quickly that her genuine smile and caring heart was just a small part of what makes her so special. She looks at my daughter with so much love in her eyes and you can tell that she really cares so much about you and your baby. Carrie held me one awful night while I sobbed in her arms. My child had just had a seizure and stopped breathing and it was Carrie that helped get my baby through it and then comforted me as I broke down afterward. She has been there for my husband and I through this difficult time in our lives. She helps us to stay strong and positive. We would like her to be recognized for the amazing person that she is and thank her for taking such wonderful care of us and our daughter.

Click here to nominate a colleague or team who makes a difference at Michigan Medicine!