Audin Attis, Radiology
Nominated by Olivia Nicastro, RN, Trauma
Audin consistently provides exceptional care to the patients and his co-workers. He never refuses to fulfill an order or request. The word “impossible” is simply not in his vocabulary. When Audin walks into a room, the look of relief is evident on everyone's face because they know help has arrived. In addition to his expected duties, Audin is always willing to lend a hand in the transportation of patients.

Barbara Cheeks, Environmental Services
Nominated by Veronica Jones, NM, F-Yellow
Barbara is an important and integral part of the F-Yellow team. Everyone agrees that seeing Barbara in the morning is “a great way to start the day.” She is extremely conscientious and a very hard worker. Barbara is a true professional and an outstanding individual. She is an asset, not only to F-Yellow, but to University Hospital as a whole.

Michael Demyen, MD, Gastroenterology Fellow
Nominated by Kitty Donohue, Service Excellence
Recently, a patient praised Dr. Demyen for his kindness, gentle nature and ability to truly listen. Specifically, she stated that “Dr. Demyen was open-minded and genuinely supportive of her feelings regarding complementary and integrative medicine.” As a result, the patient felt comfortable relaying the specific details of her symptoms, knowing that she would leave with a clear diagnostic picture of her condition. The patient was uplifted by Dr. Demyen's care and impressed by his easy-going, yet professional, manner.

Michelle Egarian, RN, Emergency Department
Nominated by Shauwea Hamilton, Administration
It's not often that patients take the time to recognize one specific employee for their extraordinary care. The following comments were recently included in a patient satisfaction survey. “Michelle is an outstanding worker. I was worried about being in the hospital, but with Michelle, I knew I was in good hands and was being treated professionally. I actually felt pampered. She answered all my questions and responded to my every need. I was relieved to know that such care existed. She is truly outstanding.

Victor Eromosde, Radiology
Nominated by Dr. Alexios Apazidis, Resident
Victor is a highly skilled radiology technician. He was successful in shooting several difficult films on a patient with a femur fracture. To expedite matters, he recruited others to help load films as he quickly shot new ones. Victor also demonstrated great compassion for the patient who was in a great deal of pain. He never lost his composure in a very challenging situation. Victor is particularly appreciated by the residents.

 Martha Fitzpatrick, WIC
Nominated by Judy Colorado, Director, Patient Care Services
A 26-year veteran of University Hospital, Martha demonstrates a stellar work ethic that is not easy to find these days. In addition to being exceptionally knowledgeable about her job duties, she is a dependable, caring, compassionate employee. WIC participants open present very difficult challenges due to their lack of understanding regarding benefits, rules and regulatory procedures. But with her kind and patient demeanor, Martha provides them with complete information and a thorough explanation, ensuring they will receive their benefits and services in a timely manner.

Julie Goldstein, PM&R
Nominated by Christine Boardingham, PM&R
As a speech-language pathologist, Julie ensures that all patients, not just those in her care, get superlative care. Despite the pressures of her day, she always manages to wear a smile and make each patient feel special. Recently, she brought in cupcakes to celebrate a patient's birthday and stayed late to personally ensure that they received the recognition. Julie's outgoing and warm personality fosters solid relationships throughout the hospital and aids with team building. Once Julie learns your name, she will remember it and use it so others will follow suit. Julie's strong mentoring skills often make it difficult for students to say good bye.

Shantia Glover, Admitting
Nominated by Kareem Davis, Environmental Services
Concerned, involved, dedicated, courteous and efficient are just a few of the ways to describe Shantia. A consummate professional and an expert at multitasking, Shantia goes to great lengths to help shorten a patient's wait time and ensure their comfort. Shantia is an asset to the hospital and to all those she encounters.

Nichelle Luthers, LPN, H-Green
Nominated by Takeisha Winston, RN, Trauma
Nurses seldom expect to suddenly become the patient, but should that occur, let's hope that they are under the care of Nichelle Luthers. To quote our patient, “Nichelle provided me with excellent service and went above and beyond the call of duty. She did everything possible to make me feel comfortable and relaxed. Even her facial expressions exuded warmth, caring and kindness.”

Bernard McAllister, Radiology
Nominated by Olivia Nicastro, RN, Trauma
Bernard helped to design and implement a plan to reduce patient wait time in the Radiology Department. He performs his job expeditiously and also provides assistance to the nurses. Able to brighten any room with his smile, Bernard's happy presence often has a calming effect on those around him. Bernard is always professional and has taken the lead role in running coat drives and other programs to assist the needy.

Evelyn Mendoza, RN, F-Yellow
Nominated by Nadine Couch, NM, F-Yellow
Evelyn is the “glue” that keeps F-Yellow together. Physicians and other staff are often heard saying “Don't worry, Evelyn has it under control.” Although she has only been at University Hospital for two years, she is frequently asked to precept new hires because of her knowledge and patience. Without being asked, Evelyn enthusiastically assists her co-workers when the unit is extra busy. Nothing rattles Evelyn. She is a kind spirit and a true professional.

Bobby Roberts, Infectious Disease Unit
Nominated by Debbie Mohammed, Ambulatory Care
In October 2005, there appeared to be a drop in the number of people being tested with Rapid Oraquik, a quick test method for HIV. When this reality was brought to light, Bobby quickly developed and implemented a plan to increase the number of referrals for the test. Bobby's method involved going to the Fast Track ER to personally speak with each patient and offer the test. Because of Bobby's creative efforts and his warm, engaging and compassionate personality, the number of Rapid Oraquik tests being performed in the hospital has increased dramatically.

Maria Shariatdoust, Care Coordination
Nominated by Marcie Baldwin, Care Coordination
As a social worker in the nurseries, L&D and Post Partum, Maria has demonstrated outstanding commitment and dedication. She consistently “steps outside the box” to ensure that all patients in her care are provided with excellent service. During the past several months, Maria has been asked to cover for two other team members in addition to her own work. She has taken on the task happily and with amazing success. Maria handles each case with sensitivity and kindness. She is the perfect role model for Star 4 – Care and Respect.

Leelamma Vadakkedam, RN, H-Blue
Nominated by Bernadette Ogang, RN, Nursing Float Pool
Leela is a devoted and highly professional nurse who is highly skilled at starting IV's. She never hesitates to use this talent and assist wherever it is needed, even if it is on another unit. Patients rave about her kindness and ability to make them feel at ease. Leela is very understanding and a great source of comfort to patients and staff.

Tyra Williams, NA, F-Yellow
Nominated by Nadine Couch, NM, F-Yellow
Tyra is a very caring and compassionate individual who will stop at nothing to assist her patients and co-workers. In addition to her own responsibilities, she covers the call bells and phones when the unit clerks are on break. The nursing staff and patients have nothing but praise for the professional care, kindness and concern provided by Tyra.

Esther Willis, Radiology
Nominated by Ann Gulyas, Linda Jackson, Julie Goldstein, Christine Boardingham and
Jan Forster, PM&R
Esther repeatedly goes above and beyond to assist the members of the Radiology Department. Always anticipating the needs of the speech pathologists, she consistently works with a pleasant attitude and a smile on her face. Esther makes both the patients and staff members always feel welcome and cared for. She is a tremendous asset to the department.

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