Helen Hayes Hospital Honors Outstanding Employees
August 9, 2005The second annual Helen Hayes Hospital CEO Awards were presented on June 21 in a ceremony in the rehabilitation hospital’s Noyes Conference Center. Eight hospital employees were honored for consistently going above and beyond the call of duty and exemplifying the legacy of caring and tradition of accomplishment which Helen Hayes Hospital is known for.
Chief Executive Officer Magdalena Ramirez started off by saying, “While these employees come from eight different areas of the hospital, they share common traits. Their work does not begin or end with their job description and they can always be counted on to excel in their respective position.”
Ms. Ramirez then presented the Awards to each employee, sharing information about what makes the staff member special and deserving of the honor. Excerpts of the presentations follow.
Barbara Hanley, Director of Physical Therapy: Ms. Hanley is a true leader who sets high standards of excellence in patient care, has nurtured research in the department, encouraged her staff to become involved with professional organizations, fostered the importance of continuing education and developed an incredible student education program.
Tamara Lopez, Medical Technologist Clinical Laboratory: Known for her gentle touch and vivacious personality, Ms. Lopez is a skilled medical technician who consistently steps up to bat when her department needs to score. Her bright and caring disposition immediately puts her patients at ease and she simultaneously develops and easy rapport with patients and co-workers alike.
Marc Michalowicz, DDS, M SC, Chief of Dental Medicine: Dr. Michalowicz has infused the dental service with energy, spirit and an upbeat attitude. He is a staunch advocate for the developmentally disabled and he has made the Dental Medicine service at HHH a nationally renowned center of excellence in the care of patients with special needs and in the training of dental residents, who have gone on to care for special needs patients at programs across the country.
John Oldfield, Security Officer: Mr. Oldfield has been an anchor on the 4:00 p.m. to midnight shift for years. Whether he is answering the phone at the desk, running a fire drill or checking on visitors, HHH is a safer place when John is on duty. He has discovered cars unlocked with the keys in them, has assisted local police departments and does not hesitate to escort staff members to their cars.
Marvin Reynolds, Environmental Services: Approaching 40 years of service, Mr. Reynolds is an HHH institution who cares for our hospital with loyalty and dedication. In fact, it’s hard to imagine the hospital without him. He plays an instrumental role in hospital operations on every unit. During his daily tours of duty, he takes the time to talk with patients and staff alike.
Carmen Rodriguez, CNA: To say that Ms. Rodriquez is a ray of sunshine is perhaps an understatement…she lights up the entire unit with her cheer, laughter and beautiful voice. She is not just attentive to the physical needs of her patients, she cares deeply about each of them, doing everything in her power to make them feel good about themselves and to enable them to benefit from the rehabilitation process. When former patients come back to visit, they make a beeline for Carmen’s warm welcome back hug.
Toniann Rubin, RN: The epitome of professionalism and dedication, Ms. Rubin is a shining star of the nursing department. She is totally dedicated to her patients with spinal cord injury and serves as a vital advocate on her patient’s behalf. She has taken on leadership roles in numerous projects and initiatives and she consistently seeks out professional development opportunities, striving to incorporate best practices and new techniques into patient care.
Rosemary Thornton, RN: A stronghold in the nursing department for 30 years, Ms. Thornton is widely respected and deeply appreciated by staff members from every department. She quickly responds and effectively deals with any issue and has demonstrated, time and again, her dedication to the mission of our hospital.
