Making a Difference: April 2019 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

Shaun Holder, Patient Food & Nutrition Services

Shaun, you provide exceptional customer service to every single patient you encounter. From the moment you walk in a patient’s room to when you leave, you exemplify professionalism, patience and kindness. I saw you go above and beyond with each patient you encountered, providing assistance and taking the extra time to really make sure that each patient had everything they needed. Thank you!

4B nursing team

The nurses on 4B always keep a positive and helpful attitude while working with nursing students! Every Tuesday and Thursday during the school year, they work as mentors. They are dedicated to high quality patient care, but are also willing to share their knowledge and expertise with students every minute of their shift. It is a pleasure to see the pairings of students and nurses working and learning together for the benefit of patients and families. They give us their all — thank you, 4B!

Jan Gamboa, B.S.W., Department of Social Work

Jan, thanks for assisting me with the niece of a patient who was anxious about her aunt’s surgery and additional home care services. I appreciate you calling the niece and answering her questions. When I followed up with her, she felt you were going above and beyond to take care of her loved one. Having a positive resolution to this case would not have been possible without your help. Thank you!

Phoebe Danziger, M.D., house officer, pediatrics-neonatal

Phoebe is a wonderful physician who communicates with her team respectfully and openly, actively listening to the thoughts/suggestions of staff and patients’ families. Working with her is a pleasure because of her compassionate nature, highly-effective communication skills and thoughtful decision-making. She is humble, yet clearly very talented and intelligent. She inspires others around her to intentionally treat our colleagues and patients with respect, and approach our work with curiosity and humility. We all love working with her!

Katie Pouget, patient services associate, Northville Health Center

Katie always goes the extra mile when a patient checks out. Recently, a little girl wanted a sticker and none could be found. So Katie drew a picture on a sticky note and gave it to her so that she would not go home empty-handed. It was a wonderful act that did not go unnoticed.

Huang Liao, Interpreter Services

Huang is one of the best interpreters I have worked with at Michigan Medicine! Recently, she assisted a patient in completing the medication reconciliation form in the lobby. Then she was kind and compassionate, putting a very anxious patient at ease. It was clear that Huang was interpreting my questions and directions as well as the patient’s responses precisely. Thank you, Huang!

Raghu Tadi, app programmer/analyst senior, HITS

The Learning Management team is so appreciative of all of the support Raghu has provided us. He is always willing to lend a hand and share his past knowledge and expertise when issues arise with MLearning, including providing well-documented processes and troubleshooting tips. Thank you for all of your support, Raghu!

Patient to staff

Lauren Beason, R.N., 9E/W, Von Voigtlander Women’s Hospital

Lauren made having my first baby a better experience by providing excellent care over a three-day span. As a new mom-to-be, the birthing experience can be overwhelming and anxiety-provoking. Lauren took the time to explain what was happening and reassured me throughout the process. Her calm and friendly demeanor were very much welcomed. Thank you for everything you do each day, and know that what you do — and how you do it — truly makes for a better patient experience.

Mathew Baltz, physical therapist, PM&R

Mat is very knowledgeable in his profession. He inspired me to work hard through the challenges of my health situation. He balanced the cardiac rehab and neuro rehab that I needed with expertise and gave me confidence in the program he set up. I really enjoyed his company throughout the process and appreciate everything he did for me. Thank you, Mat!

Diane Nassar, patient services associate, Briarwood Center for Women, Children, Young Adults #2

I always look forward to checking out with Diane as she exemplifies the Michigan Difference. She carries out extraordinary customer service and creates an easy and efficient checkout process. During my recent visit, I had 12 upcoming appointments to schedule. Diane shared a contagious joy and excitement toward my pregnancy, which left me leaving the clinic even more joyful. I wanted to recognize Diane for always being a pleasure to check out with and, more importantly, for being a consistently reliable staple in what makes the BW2 clinic function like a well-oiled machine!

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