Making a Difference: September 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

Stephanie Erickson, clinical subjects associate, internal medicine

Stephanie, your hard work and dedication is astounding. You have stepped up and taken on many roles and responsibilities to ensure the smooth functioning of our research team. Even though you are still learning and growing in your new role, you have tackled all obstacles and challenges with grace and courage. You are a role model and mentor to your peers. Thank you for all that you do, for all the lives that you impact daily and for the important scientific contribution you are making to the world.

Staci Huff, medical assistant specialist, Regional Alliance for Healthy Schools

Staci is absolutely amazing with all of the children and adolescents our team cares for every day. She engages and interacts with them, asks about their interests and explains things in ways they can understand. She makes sure they have the best possible experience and cares for them as if they were her own. Staci’s patience is second-to-none. Even if it takes twice as long, Staci will take the time to make sure the child understands and feels safe. I feel truly blessed to work with her. Thank you, Staci!

Caleb Newman, media services manager, HITS

Caleb has helped me tirelessly on three separate occasions for a seminar series. He is a great teacher — he gave me shortcuts, was always patient and friendly, provided additional information and went over instructions more than once to make sure I had a good understanding of how the system worked. I appreciate him and all the effort and time he gave to me.

Nicole Villanueva, R.N., internal medicine

Nicole, I cannot thank you enough for being one of my amazing preceptors! I was able to learn a lot from you that I will be able to use in my career as a nurse. I admire the nurse that you are and appreciate all of your help. You’ve made an impact on me and the nurse I will develop into here at Michigan Medicine. Know that you make a difference and are appreciated for what you do.

James Cech, sign language interpreter, Interpreter Services

James was the interpreter for a patient I was caring for. I was amazed how James interpreted the patient’s signs in a way that conveyed a unique personality and distinct tone. He was not merely translating words, but truly gave that patient a voice in the room. I could tell James was intentionally committed to creating the best patient experience. Thank you!

Mark Kennedy, patient care tech, C&W operating room

Mark, you make a difference each day through your heartfelt commitment to perform at your very best here. My colleagues agree with me when I express my admiration toward your devotion to our unit. You demonstrate an exceptionally powerful work ethic. Your “Do it now and do it right” personal philosophy rings true as you move through each of your job duties. I also enjoy your gleeful sense of humor. Fun and laughter can be a gift at times in our high-stress work environment. I am thankful and honored to have you as a member of our team!

Patient to staff

Gina Gbur, medical assistant, CVC 3

I would like to commend Gina on her demeanor, efficiency and style! What a perfect first person to engage and make contact with on my journey to heart valve replacement surgery. Gina was my intake person on at least two of my visits to the CVC and became my No. 1 superstar throughout my journey. Don’t ever let her forget how important and valuable her first impression is to your patients. What a way to ease my fears and anxieties. Thank you, Gina!

Madeline Vermillion, ultrasound technologist, reproductive medicine

Madeline was an absolute pleasure to work with during my time as a patient. She is extremely personable, professional and is very knowledgeable about her specialty. She helps her patients feel comfortable during exams and when receiving news. I am very thankful to have worked with her and wish her the best in her future!

Francesca Borg, R.N., 8C

I was blessed during my hospital stay to have Frankie as my nurse. She fills the room with positive energy and sunshine. Her nursing skills are excellent, but it is her caring and compassion that makes her stand out. After receiving a difficult diagnosis, she took the time to listen to me, express words of comfort and encouragement and hope. She made a difference and I will be forever grateful.

Family to staff

Vitjola Phillips, guest services specialist

There’s one thing that makes a parent feel like a human when their child is in the PICU: the kindness of another. When I first came with my family, the first thing that snapped me briefly from the fact my daughter was struggling was Vitjola. She didn’t tell me I needed to sleep. She didn’t ask anything of me. She smiled and said something that made me feel light and kindness. Over the next few hours, she offered me a towel, directed me to a bathroom where I could shower, be alone and reset for the new day. Every time I walk by her now it’s like seeing a good friend. Her kind heart radiates and welcomes. People like her embody the “Michigan Difference.”

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