Making a Difference: August 2018 highlights

Employees across Michigan Medicine continue to make a difference and inspire colleagues 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

Cheryl Butler-Ford, entrance attendant

Cheryl, you make a difference to so many every day! You may not realize it, but when you are out of the office for a day off, you are truly missed by our patients. They can’t wait to say hi to Miss Cheryl and love getting stickers after their appointments. You’re always so cheerful, which is incredibly important as the first person that greets staff members, patients and families who are coming into the building. Thank you for being you and brightening everyone’s day!

Raza Zaidi, M.D., assistant professor of anesthesiology

Dr. Zaidi, you are always putting your patients and families first. You are so kind and considerate of patients’ needs regardless of what may be the “easy” way. The way you speak to your families with such respect is humbling to watch.  I don’t think you know how much respect so many of us have for you and the way you practice. You truly do make a difference in the experiences our patients and families have, and I think you need to be recognized for that. Thank you for always doing what is right for the patient.

Carrie Neibauer, unit custodian, Environmental Services

Carrie takes extreme pride in her work and in providing a clean and healthy environment. This helps to promote healing for our most vulnerable patients in the NICU and is greatly appreciated by all who work here. Carrie’s attention to detail and extra effort is reminiscent of someone cleaning the home of a loved one and her dedication does not go unnoticed. Thank you for all you do, Carrie!

Darlene Gerick, facilities coordinator/manager, HITS

Darlene helped to ensure a “smooth move” for a number of people moving to or within Arbor Lakes Building 2 by communicating useful information before and during the cubicle/office moves. There was very little guesswork in the process thanks to her preparation and the detailed and timely emails she sent to those participating in the move. Thank you, Darlene, for making the transition so easy for all of us!

Helen Noack and Jennifer Brown, veterinary technicians, Unit for Laboratory Animal Medicine

Helen and Jennifer, you both make a difference by always going above and beyond to care for the animals. Your dedication and compassion is greatly appreciated and valued. Thanks for what you do to improve animal health at Michigan Medicine!

Family to staff 

6C pulmonary staff

My family and I wanted to take a moment and thank the entire University Hospital 6C nurses, patient care techs, volunteers and staff members. My father spent over a week in their care and we cannot thank them enough for their amazing attitudes, attention to detail, willingness to always go above and beyond, and patience. They would also check on us, the family, if we needed anything, knowing that we were there for the long haul as well. My family and I have started to refer to them all as the Angels at U-M. Thank you all for being the amazing people you are!

Carl Krupp, R.N., Critical Care Medicine

Making a difference doesn’t begin to describe the outstanding care that our daughter and family received from Carl. He was a very bright light during a very dark time for our family. Words can’t adequately express our heartfelt appreciation for Carl’s energy, humor and knowledge. Thank you, Carl, for providing us with exactly what we needed.

Selina Mathis, M.S.W., social worker

After struggling with my father’s diagnosis and a lot of unanswered questions, Selina was a glimmer of hope for all of us. Her guidance, outstanding care and knowledge helps us as we take the next step in my father’s care. My family is hopeful and I want to thank Selina for helping us get there.

Patient to staff

Ryan Strang, physical therapist, PM&R

Ryan, you are totally professional, kind, funny and supportive. Your praise of each and every small success in this rehab journey has meant the world to me. My success is your success! I know that each and every one of your patients receives your undivided attention. Workouts in the gym may at times be grueling, but I always feel better (both mentally and physically) afterward. I will never be able to thank you enough.

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