Making a Difference: December 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

Stefanie Laudolff and Jennifer Watt, phlebotomist specialists, pathology

Thank you, Stefanie and Jennifer, for showing how much you care to pediatric patients and families. Recently, you both demonstrated great care in your interaction with a patient by taking time to explain a blood draw in child-friendly language, offering multiple choices to promote understanding and comfort, then patiently proceeding with the labs in a kind and caring way. Children’s health care journeys are impacted in such a positive way by the work you do. Thank you both!

Christie Campbell, pharmacy services

Christie recently gave an educational presentation about diversion prevention for new pharmacy department employees. I was very impressed with her clearly-thorough comprehension and understanding of the pharmacy profession, especially with controlled substances. I am so happy Michigan Medicine has chosen someone as dedicated as she is to handle such an important matter — as a pharmacist, it makes me comfortable to know Christie is working to protect both those who handle and those who receive controlled substances.

Roland Young, allied health senior supervisor, HomeMed

As a result of an early winter snowstorm, our parking lot was quickly covered with snow. While awaiting the cleaning crew, Roland shoveled the patient parking spaces to ensure our patients were kept safe upon entering the facility. Thank you, Roland, for your dedication and commitment to keeping patients safe!

Jessica Singer, M.S.W., social worker

Jessica should be recognized for all of the hard work and dedication she shows her patients on a daily basis. I wanted to specifically say thank you for the beautiful Transplant Patient Holiday Party she put on. The event was an excellent way to acknowledge the amazing patients who endure such a life-changing event. I know that not only did I enjoy attending, but patients enjoyed the time to meet with others who have had the same experiences. Thank you, Jessica!

Alexis Cohen, clinical subjects associate

Alexis, you exemplify what it means to be a Michigan Medicine employee. You go above and beyond with each and every patient. Your dedication to helping participants is what will contribute to the furthering of any research. When patients’ concerns are taken as seriously as you take them, we ensure that more people will want to continue participating in research studies, allowing us to further medical advancement. Where most people would call it good enough, you don’t quit until you know it’s the best it can be. U-M is lucky to have an employee like you.

Erin Arsenault, program assistant, Gifts of Art

Erin is a born leader! She has been an incredibly valuable asset to the Gifts of Art team and especially the Bedside Art Program. Through her leadership, she and her Making Masterpieces student organization have created more than 2,000 bedside art kits for adult patients and guests. I am so thankful for Erin as she makes a huge Michigan Medicine difference!

Patient to staff

Dillon Wirgau, nuclear medicine technologist

Recently, I went in for a PET scan. Dillon helped me through the entire procedure, offering me warm blankets as soon as I sat down. He was kind, attentive and gentle and kept making sure I was alright. It means a lot to have someone offering kindness when you’re in a vulnerable state. Thank you, Dillon!

Lauren Pinson, R.N., 4C

I was very fortunate to have Lauren as my nurse for the first 12 hours after my surgery. She anticipated every need, went about her work quickly, quietly, gently and with compassion. She looked in on me often and addressed all my concerns. Although she worked all night long, she maintained her pleasant, professional and energetic manner through the whole shift. She was an angel for me in my time of need. She is an outstanding member of — and a true asset for — the team that makes the Michigan Difference.

Tricia Niedbala, administrative manager associate, radiology

Tricia has helped me on more than one occasion. She’s always kind, attentive and patient in answering my questions and assisting me in sending out my records and scans. I know things will be taken care of after speaking to her, which means the world to me when I’m vulnerable and facing health challenges. She’s a superhero in disguise!

Family to staff

Laura Scott, speech language pathologist

Laura, you pointed us in the right direction to help find my daughter’s voice. She went from saying two words to now speaking in sentences in such a short time. Without Laura’s guidance and special touch, she wouldn’t be where she is today. We are truly thankful for her. She is amazing at her job!

Andrew Ibrahim, M.D., M.S., house officer, general surgery

Dr. Ibrahim’s attention to detail on my dad’s case is praiseworthy. He went above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that my dad was well cared for during his hospital stay. He has an excellent bedside manner that will take him far in his career. His ability to share information in layperson terms provided a sense of calm during a time of high stress. I could tell that this is more than just a career for him, it is a calling. Michigan Medicine is very lucky to have such a wonderful provider on its team!

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