Baptist team members have won several awards, including the Hometown Hero, IRIS and BEE awards. Others have achieved new certifications and training. Please keep reading to learn more.
Baptist Anderson Regional Medical Center
Baptist Anderson recently presented the BEE Award for the exceptional skills and daily compassion of non-nursing team members who work in supportive roles or provide direct patient care. A coworker, who also became a patient, nominated Justin Laster, physical therapist in Outpatient Rehabilitation, for the BEE Award. The nominator said, “Justin has been my physical therapist for two different issues. I was referred to him by another patient who gave him two thumbs up. From the very first visit, Justin impressed me with his professionalism, attention to my pain, thoroughness in evaluating a course of action and educating me on how to manage my condition in order to relieve the pain.”
Elaine Sanders, unit coordinator on 3 East, won the BEE Award after being nominated by a grateful patient’s family. “I would like to thank Elaine for her kindness when my mother was on hospice. Every time she passed me, she would show such compassion and say kind words. She was always so helpful when I called up to 3 East with questions.”
Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle
Security Officer James Avery recently completed specialized training and is now an internal investigator for the Security team. Avery’s training included courses in criminal investigation processes, criminal psychology, criminology and criminal justice fundamentals, and private investigation methods and techniques. According to Safety Manager Jarrod Kunze, Avery’s additional training will allow him to better coordinate and communicate with staff and management. “James will help reduce duplication of efforts, track events with Risk Management and prepare documentation if law enforcement should need to be involved,” said Kunze.
Ron Welch, staff pharmacist in the Inpatient Pharmacy department, earned his board certification in cardiology pharmacy. Welch is one of only four board-certified cardiology pharmacists in Mississippi. He is also one of only eight board-certified infectious disease pharmacists in the state. With his third board certification in pharmacotherapy, he is one of only three triple board-certified pharmacists in Mississippi.
Baptist Medical Group
The National Pan-Hellenic Council of Memphis (NPHC) awarded Keith Paden, Baptist Medical Group director of operations, one of its first NPHC Hometown Hero awards for his work in the community. Paden has been a volunteer emergency medical services worker for the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office for 14 years. “He has saved countless lives in the city by volunteering, and this is in addition to his full-time job,” said Nikki Dixon, vice-president of NPHC of Memphis Metropolitan.
Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis
Diamond Williams, patient care assistant in Cardiac Medicine, earned an IRIS Award for her dedication and excellent patient care. IRIS stands for “I Respect others In my Service” and recognizes non-nursing team members who demonstrate exceptional empathy, respect, compassion and kindness toward fellow team members, patients and guests. Even though Williams has been at the hospital only a few months, she has already been nominated several times by coworkers, patients and family members. One of the nominators said, “Diamond is a wonderful PCA and a great team member. She helps patients feel confident and comfortable and builds a rapport with each one. Diamond makes every shift enjoyable with her work ethic and smiling face.”
