ICARE Award

The ICARE Award is for employees and physicians who demonstrate the core values of UI Health, display a job performance that goes above and beyond expected performance, exhibit a patient-first mentality, are motivated and strive for excellence, contribute to the positive culture in the department and organization, and have made a difference in the life of a patient, visitor, or peer. Click here to submit a CARE Award nomination.

December 2025

Beth Dodge

Submitted by: Jenn Stenger
I would like to take a moment to recognize Beth Dodge for her incredible leadership and dedication. Beth graciously stepped into the challenging role of interim C100 coordinator in addition to her responsibilities as coordinator for IP Pediatrics and Behavioral Health.

Since taking on this role, Beth has made swift and meaningful improvements to C100 workflows, always keeping patient access and care at the forefront. Her professionalism, clarity in communication, collaborative spirit, and effectiveness have truly stood out.

Thank you, Beth! Your willingness to take on this added responsibility has not only elevated the quality of care but also helped reduce stress and workload for your fellow coordinators. We appreciate you!

Gemma & Michelle Tacbas

Submitted by: Kristina Skare, Therapy Services
The organization was looking for panelists to participate in our Filipino American Heritage month celebration and we were looking for intergenerational duos who were in healthcare at UI Health. Melissa Angulo shared Gemma and Michelle Tacbas' names as nurses who would be good candidates for the panel. Luckily for us, they agreed to participate on their day off.

While I could just be writing this recognition for their participation, it goes beyond that.

Gemma and Michelle were absolutely inspiring for those in healthcare. Gemma talked about watching her aunt and what started as wanting to have a solid job turned into a feeling that nursing isn't just a job but a calling. She talked about empathy, teamwork, humility, resilience, faith, a responsibility to care, actively listening, being patient, being respectful, connection, compassion, and understanding with her patients and her coworkers. Michelle talked about watching her mom (Gemma) come home from nursing shifts tired but proud and smiling and wanting to continue the family tradition of caring. She talked about compassion, treating patients like family, respecting family dynamics, openness, understanding patient needs, willingness to learn, EBP, and getting to know her patients and their families.

Their shared experience in their culture, their family, and their careers was shared so warmly and their both live their values here at UI Health. They are shining examples of purpose-driven, patient-centered healthcare and it was a joy to hear them speak to it.

Jomy Johny

Submitted by: a Patient
I was admitted to the NICU after my surgery. Jomy Johny was assigned to be my nurse while I was in NICU. From the first time Jomy introduced herself, she was one of the most inspiring people I have encountered. Jomy provided me with excellent care, always made sure I was being positive, and stressed the importance of things I would need to make sure I continued to do to ensure a complete recovery and good health. The rooms in NICU are shared rooms, so I also noticed Jomy didn't just provide me with exceptional care as she gave the same great care and attention to her other patients.

Jomy always made sure me and my wife had whatever when needed to help us through my difficult situation. When I was transferred to another unit, Jomy made sure my new nurse was aware of everything going on with me and my progress. She went above and beyond by helping me get situated in my new room and made sure that my new nurse was properly prepared. On the day I was getting discharged, Jomy came to congratulate me, continued with inspiration words, and reminded me of the things I needed to be sure I was doing in order to have a complete recovery. Each nurse I encountered was great, but the care that Jomy provided was exceptional. I really believe her care and presence help me with a speedy recovery.

Kareem Rogers

Submitted by: Nick Haubach, Ashly Orama, Tanya Merritt
Kareem embodies our core values through his inclusive, patient-centered approach, consistently going above and beyond in his role. He has introduced innovative recruitment strategies, hosted engaging webinars, and built strong talent pipelines that have significantly strengthened our nursing workforce. Kareem collaborates closely with hiring managers, offering end-to-end support that reflects true accountability and excellence. His respect for others is evident in his interactions, and his upbeat attitude, curiosity, and commitment to professional growth have made him a positive force on our HR team. His contributions support a patient-first mission, a culture of excellence, and Being the Best Place To Work strategy.

I second the nomination for Kareem Rogers. Our ambulatory clinic partners have in different occasions brought to my attention Kareem's work ethic. I also want to acknowledge appreciation to him for consistently demonstrating exceptional respect and professionalism in every interaction. As a recruiter, Kareem approaches each candidate and hiring manager with care and consideration, ensuring that everyone feels valued and heard. His thoughtful communication and respectful demeanor have not only strengthened our recruitment efforts but have also contributed to a positive and welcoming atmosphere for all who engage with our hospital. I am grateful for his unwavering commitment to fostering a culture of respect within our organization.

Kareem’s dedication, professionalism, and collaborative spirit have made an outstanding impact on nursing recruitment and onboarding at UI Health. Kareem has been an instrumental partner in my work with the Ambulatory Float Team, going above and beyond to ensure the successful recruitment and onboarding of our nursing staff. With the naturally high turnover rate within a float team, I find myself constantly recruiting for nursing positions—but Kareem has made this process not only more efficient, but also more enjoyable. His upbeat attitude, humor, and approachable personality make recruitment feel far less like a chore and more like a shared mission to strengthen our nursing teams.

His responsiveness, attention to detail, and genuine commitment to supporting both candidates and hiring managers have significantly streamlined the hiring process. Thanks to Kareem’s efforts, we’ve seen a noticeable improvement in the overall time it takes to recruit and onboard nurses—a direct benefit to our teams, our patients, and the organization as a whole.

Beyond his work with my team, Kareem has consistently demonstrated a collaborative and inclusive approach in supporting Clinic Directors across Ambulatory Services. He approaches every interaction with compassion and respect, making each colleague feel heard and supported. Kareem exemplifies accountability by following through on every commitment and maintaining clear, timely communication throughout the recruitment process.

Kareem truly embodies the ICARE values in all he does—fostering inclusion through teamwork, showing compassion in his interactions, upholding accountability through his reliability, demonstrating respect in every partnership, and striving for excellence in the quality and efficiency of his work. His efforts have not only strengthened our nursing workforce but have also made the experience of recruitment one that is positive, collaborative, and even fun.

Takumi Usui

Submitted by: Josiah Sault
Takumi has been a solid clinician since starting her ~1.5yrs ago. He jumped in early on to provide education to the whole hospital on getting ready to get back into exercise for Revitalize over the summer the last 2 years and did a great job. More recently, I got to see how well he manages both working with students in the clinical setting and managing several difficult situations with a patients. Takumi has had his first set of interns in physical therapy recently and I have observed him spending copious amounts of time with each of his interns mentoring them up to be able to provide excellent patient care and have seen them both develop their clinical skills. His efforts to help the next generation of physical therapists are obvious and will serve our patients well.

He took a patient on who has been delivered to clinic via ambulance on a stretcher for several visits and worked with their nursing home to ensure the patient could get therapy services where they were staying even calling several times to speak with staff there to advocate for the patient to not only avoid wasting healthcare dollars on costly transportation, but to help them progress where they currently live.

Finally, I recently heard a patient at our front desk complaining about a misunderstanding about who she was going to be seeing that day. She thought she would be seeing one of Takumi's interns but had been scheduled with the other. She was stating that she had called for her ride to pick her up and wanted to just cancel her appointment because of her frustration. I watched as Takumi walked up front, spoke calmly with the patient, asked her if she would like to at least be seen for a bit by him while waiting for her ride, which she declined, and then he asked her back to a booth to assist her himself in rescheduling. I left the clinic shortly after that, but when I walked out the door, Takumi had the patient on a treatment plinth and was starting care with her. She clearly changed her mind and decided to receive care thanks to Takumi's calm management of a tricky situation. For all of these reasons, and many more, Takumi deserves recognition beyond just my individual kudos.

November 2025

Jeff Cavett

Submitted by: Kristina Skare, Therapy Services
We had a patient arrive for a HBOT treatment. Jeff had just completed HBOT training in August of this year, but was able to identify patient needs that required transport to the ED. This patient was subsequently admitted to the hospital and placed on a ventilator.

While the patient was in the hospital, Jeff made a point of stopping by to check on the patient and the patient's wife. The other day, Jeff asked the patient's wife if she needed anything and she asked for a cup of decaf coffee. Because there was not access to decaf coffee within the departments, he went to the cafeteria and bought the patient's wife a cup of decaf.

Not only is Jeff already showing a very strong clinical skill set in a new area, which is very important, but he also brings his compassion and generosity to the human beings that are in our care.

October 2025

Raquel Morales

Submitted by: Zaneta Ahuja, Strategic Service Line Management
I am deeply honored to nominate Raquel, as her compassionate care and unwavering dedication truly embody the heart of UI Health’s core values: Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence.

A patient, just 15 days post-op from hip replacement surgery, shared a moving story about the profound impact Raquel had on their recovery journey. From coordinating critical pre-op appointments—especially working closely with hematology—to personally advocating for an additional week of pain medication, Raquel was a steadfast presence, offering comfort, answers, and reassurance whenever needed. The patient expressed how Raquel’s kindness and attentiveness transformed a challenging experience into one filled with hope and trust.

This is not the first time we have received such direct and heartfelt feedback from patients about Raquel’s exceptional care. Time and again, she has proven that she puts the patient first—not just through clinical expertise, but through genuine human connection. Her tireless efforts to collaborate with the care team and support every aspect of the patient’s needs demonstrate a deep sense of responsibility and respect for those she serves.

Raquel doesn’t just deliver care—she creates an environment where patients feel truly seen, heard, and valued. This spirit of empathy and excellence inspires everyone around her and is a shining example of what it means to be a Class Act.

September 2025

Brenda Contreras

Submitted by: Nece Pounds, OCC CYC
As a Medical Assistant in our Outpatient Child and Youth Center, she shows up every day with kindness, focus, and a clear commitment to doing things the right way. She is caring, curious, willing to learn, and always willing to teach others. Her approach to her work sets a tone that is both professional and welcoming. She manages her responsibilities with grace and never lets anything slip through the cracks. Brenda goes the extra mile to make sure everything is done correctly.

Her presence makes a difference, and the team feels it when she is not there. Hearing providers celebrate when they are assigned to her clinic intake says a lot about the quality and consistency of her work. Brenda is an excellent communicator. She comes to work ready to move, dialed in from the moment she arrives. You rarely have to ask her to do anything because she is already on top of it. She follows up, checks in, and always circles back to make sure nothing gets missed, especially when it comes to resolving any issues or conflicts. She greets everyone each day and takes the time to ask how she can help throughout her shift.

She lives the core values of UI Health—Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence—in everything she does. Brenda puts the patient first and supports both her team and clinic goals fully. She is respectful, fair, and inclusive, and she recognizes the efforts of others regularly. Her peers hold her in high regard and trust her to be a reliable and positive force in the workplace. Brenda is exactly the kind of person you want caring for patients and families. She is a strong example of what makes UI Health special.

Jasmin Cataneda

Submitted by: Mari Rivera, Endocrinology – Nutrition and Wellness
I am writing to nominate Jasmin Castaneda for the prestigious ICARE Award in recognition of her exceptional dedication to patient care. As a Medical Office Associate working alongside Jasmin, I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand her unwavering commitment to providing compassionate and high-quality care to all of her patients.

Jasmin consistently goes above and beyond the expectations of her role, always ensuring that each patient she encounters feels valued, heard, and cared for. Her ability to connect with patients on both a personal and professional level is unparalleled. Whether it’s taking extra time to explain procedures, offering words of comfort during difficult moments, or advocating for patients’ needs, Jasmin demonstrates a level of empathy and professionalism that sets her apart.

In addition to her dedication to patient care, Jasmin is an invaluable member of our team. She fosters a positive, collaborative environment by always lending a helping hand to colleagues and sharing her knowledge with others. Her strong work ethic, attention to detail, and ability to remain calm under pressure make her an indispensable asset to our department.

One instance that stands out was when she always makes sure her patients are comfortable. She ensures to provide her patients any information they need as well answer any questions they have. She communicates well working alongside her providers and patients. Her actions in this situation not only improved the patient’s experience but also reinforced the standard of care that we strive to uphold.”

Barbara Donovan and Angelic Lane-Flax

Submitted by: Lori Christopher, Neurology
These two exceptional nurses work as a team, taking care of our extremely sick patients with chronic neurological debilitating diseases in the Nutrition and Wellness Infusion Room.

One Friday afternoon, around 4:30pm, I received a phone call from Barb, asking if we had a battery for their equipment needed for a patient, who happened to be a Neurology MS patient. I went to their room, battery in tow, then stayed to assist with this patient. These nurses showed such compassion, with a smile, genuinely caring for this patient with dignity, despite it being the end of a remarkably busy, chaotic shift, on a Friday, at the end of a long week.

I have worked with both Barb and Angelic for over a decade and know the excellent care our patients get while getting their infusions.

There is so much critical thinking and diligence preparing for an infusion, prior to when the patient comes in for their Infusion appointment and up to that day with their assessment of the patient's condition prior to the administration of the medication.

An Infusion patient can very quickly need a higher level of care, with Barb and Angelic still managing other patients while they are getting their infusions. Barb and Angelic are very thorough in all they do to ensure safety for this vulnerable patient population. Our providers and nursing staff know our patients are in exceptionally skillful hands with these two nurses.

Our patients will often comment on their care from Barb and Angelic, who get to know these nurses on a personal level, since the patients are there often for their infusions.

Barb and Angelic’s sincerity resonates with our patients, with these nurses incorporating our ICare Values of Inclusion, Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Excellence that is the foundation for our Magnet designation, signifying UIHealth’s commitment to nursing excellence and high-quality patient care that both Barb and Angelic exhibit daily.

August 2025

Edward Lim

Submitted by: Anil Jacob and Ian Lapasaran, 8E Psychiatry Adult
I am honored to nominate Edward Lim, RN, for recognition of his exceptional dedication, compassionate care, and long-standing commitment to upholding the dignity and well-being of our patients on 8E Adult Psychiatry.

For many years, Edward has gone above and beyond his nursing responsibilities on every shift he works—without fail. Quietly and without ever seeking recognition, Edward personally washes, folds, and neatly organizes the clothing of our patients. This is not part of his job description, yet he has done it consistently for years, recognizing how critical this small act is for patients who often arrive in crisis with soiled or disorganized clothing.

Edward’s commitment to this task reflects the deep compassion and respect he brings to his role. His actions restore a sense of order, dignity, and personal worth for our patients—many of whom are in vulnerable and dehumanizing circumstances upon admission. His work goes far beyond clinical duties; it reflects a profound humanity that elevates the standard of care on our unit.

Edward embodies the core values of nursing: kindness, humility, and unwavering service. His behind-the-scenes work may not always be visible, but it profoundly impacts our patients and contributes to a therapeutic and healing environment on 8E

For his years of consistent, compassionate service, and for making a difference every single shift, Edward Lim is truly deserving of recognition.

Lee McClendon

Submitted by: Marisa Richardson, Neuroscience
We had a patient show up 2 hours early for a post-surgical follow up appointment with Neurosurgeon. The patient came from a nursing home and the EMT’s could not stay to wait for the provider to come in. All the available carts in our NS center were in use. I called the patient transport dispatch line and got the voicemail; I did not leave a message as my need was immediate. As soon as I hung up, I received a call back. Mr. Lee McClendon called to see what was needed. I explained the situation to him and how we didn’t want to miss the opportunity for the patient to have this appointment. Mr. McClendon personally delivered a cart to our center so that the patient didn’t have to be rescheduled.

Coordinating nursing home appointments is never easy, and we always aim to ensure that patients aren't traveling unnecessarily, especially after something as significant as brain surgery. Thanks to Mr. McClendon’s selfless and dependable nature, this patient received the follow-up care he needed without delay. His commitment to going above and beyond does not go unnoticed. We’re incredibly grateful for his dedication and compassion.

Sharon Pieri

Submitted by: Stephanie Marszalek, Nursing Informatics
Sharon Pieri is by far the most skilled IS analyst I have ever encountered as a healthcare/informatics leader. She has played a key role in the success of every major nursing related project in Epic and other technological implementations. Sharon's background as a nurse has been an important factor in her ability to understand the clinical and operational workflows at UIH. I have observed providers, nurses, and analysts across all applications seek out her expert advice.

Comments from the NI team:

"Sharon is an exemplary analyst and a pillar of her team. When I first started with the NI group, Sharon treated me with patience as I learned how to handle requests and navigate the analytical details of the EMR. Her expertise is evident in the elegant solutions she helps engineer and the in-depth research she provides on her projects. I feel very lucky to have her strong clinical mind and savvy technical skills supporting our institution."

"As a Nursing Informatics Specialist, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with Sharon Pieri. I have worked with her in a handful of nursing projects and her knowledge and dedication to her role is much appreciated when we are collaborating. Her knowledge in technology and nursing workflows has played a huge part in success for projects because she pays attention to detail and takes the time to explain the "why" behind changes. Thanks to Sharon's expertise, Nursing Informatics has seen numerous significant improvements in nursing efficiency!

"Sharon Pieri has been an integral contributor to our organization’s success through her expertise and dedication as an Epic ClinDoc Analyst and now as the Senior Lead Analyst. Her extensive knowledge of Epic functionality, combined with her collaborative approach, has been instrumental in optimizing workflows, enhancing system reliability, and improving the overall end-user experience.

One of Sharon's most notable contributions has been involvement and ongoing support of the A-F ICU Liberation initiative within our Epic EMR. Her work has been pivotal in operationalizing this build to support improved outcomes for our ICU patients.

In addition to her technical expertise, Sharon is a trusted resource who ensures stakeholders clearly understand the rationale behind system functionality and the possibilities available when optimizing our EMR. Her work has significantly strengthened our clinical and operational teams' ability to deliver safe, efficient, and high-quality care. Sharon’s contributions continue to be vital to advancing our organizational priorities."

Shaundra Brown

Submitted by: Natalie Aguina Courts, Endoscopy Department

I wanted to take a moment to highlight the exceptional ICARE values that Shauny demonstrated today, not only within the department but more importantly in her interaction with a patient.

A patient with pancreatic cancer came in and had to wait for her procedure. During her time in pre-op, she expressed concerns about not being able to get any food once she arrived home, as it was already late in the afternoon.

I reached out to Shauny and asked if she could arrange a tray for the patient, given that it was already 3:30 PM. The department planned to hold the tray until after the procedure to ensure the patient had something to eat. However, when Shauny contacted Nutrition Services, she was informed that the patient would need to be an inpatient with a room and diet order before they could send a tray. Despite this, Shauny persisted and explained the situation, but the tray was still denied.

Shauny decided to purchase food with her own money for the patient. Shauny wanted to ensure the patient had something to eat after the procedure but more importantly for when the patient went home that evening. I truly appreciate Shauny’s selflessness and dedication.

Thomas Andrew

Submitted by: Lauren Ritzel, Surgical Pathology & Alexa Duque, Anatomical Pathology

Thomas goes above and beyond his required tasks to make sure our lab runs smoothly. He plans ahead, learns our needs quickly, and puts others before himself to make sure all of our staff is supported, especially in our more stressful moments of each workday. I know that I can always rely on him for help; he makes it so I can focus most of my energy on grossing because I know that he will always follow through on keeping our lab clean, organized, and running efficiently as possible. Before Thomas joined our lab it was difficult to keep up with teaching and looking after residents, answering other departments' questions, and locating specimens for additional submissions. I feel like I can be the best version of a pathologists' assistant because Thomas readily wants to be a useful and caring part of our team. I now come in every day knowing that he has already checked off so many things on our to-do list without anyone even asking him to. Employee excellence is vital at every level as Thomas' contributions keep our lab safe and minimize stress so that patients and clinicians can feel confident when their specimens are processed here.

Thomas has gone above and beyond his job duties since he has started. He is a fast learner and picked up things quick. He consistently wants to learn new ways he can help the lab. We have unfortunately been understaffed for a few months now and Thomas has been able to fulfill the job of two people by being amazing at time management and triaging duties. He does all this with a great attitude. He also takes good care of the morgue and has organized it in a beautiful way and goes above and beyond of what is expected of him.

Loren Kramer

Submitted by: Grady C. Wheaton, Jr, Materials Management

I am honored to nominate Loren in recognition of her unwavering commitment to the values and mission of UI Health. Over the years, Loren has consistently demonstrated the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and compassion in her role as a charge nurse. She has been an outstanding partner to the Transport team, always leading with honesty and accountability.

Loren truly personifies the core values of UI Health—Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence. She not only talks the talk but walks the walk, displaying these values in every interaction. She consistently puts the patient first and plays a vital role in ensuring the delivery of world-class patient care. Her leadership style fosters collaboration across departments, and her dedication to teamwork enhances the patient experience in countless ways.

She is known for always taking responsibility, communicating clearly and respectfully, and ensuring everyone she works with is informed and supported. Her consistent use of AIDET principles reflects her commitment to excellence in both care and communication.

Loren also supports UI Health initiatives with enthusiasm and professionalism, and she uplifts those around her by recognizing their efforts and encouraging a culture of respect and fairness. She is deeply respected by her peers, and it’s easy to see why—her presence makes a positive impact not only on her team but across all areas she touches.

It is a privilege to work alongside her, and I wholeheartedly believe she embodies everything ICARE represents.

Josh Rodriguez

Submitted by: Alexandra Soltis, SSU

I would like to nominate Josh for the ICARE Award in recognition of his exceptional support, collaboration, and commitment to excellence.

Since stepping into my new role, Josh has gone above and beyond to ensure that I feel supported and equipped to succeed. His willingness to provide guidance, answer countless questions with patience, and share resources has been instrumental—not only in my own development but in ensuring that my team and our department are set up for success.

Due to the complexities of the Short Stay Unit, Josh and I have worked closely together, along with other teams, to ensure our workflows align with and are fully integrated into EPIC. This has required a high level of collaboration, communication, and problem-solving—areas where Josh consistently excels.

Josh truly demonstrates the core values of UI Health. His inclusive and respectful approach creates a positive and welcoming environment, while his accountability and dedication to high standards reflect a strong commitment to excellence. Most notably, Josh always maintains a patient-first mindset, ensuring that any operational improvements ultimately benefit the care we provide.

His contributions have had a meaningful impact on our department, and I genuinely appreciate the positive culture he helps foster every day.

July 2025

Ali Kazmi

Submitted by: Danilo Obligado
3 years ago Ali Kazmi joined the MICU team as a staff nurse. At first Ali was timid and shy, a typical young nurse in a jargon of a very intense unit. Being in the industry for over 3 decades, right there and then I spotted a unique attribute of this very young nurse like a diamond in the rough. I always kiddingly address him as the young Ali, in one of the fictional movie Aladdin.

Three years later, going four, I saw Ali grow in leaps and bounds. He embodies the ICARE behavior of this institution. And that doesn't stop there, on a day-to-day basis, Ali exemplifies the true Mission and Vision of this institution. I saw him how he treats his colleagues, the learning resident, and the reason why we come to work — the patients and their families.

Today, I would like to nominate Ali for the following key points.

Ali is an exceptional resource nurse. He made himself available to everybody to help. He is willing to teach both new and seasoned nurses in inserting Ultrasound-guided IV lines with a top-notch technique. He also made himself available to anyone who needs help. He never changed. In fact, not too long ago, he voluntarily watched my very sick patient so I could have a bite and a drink.
Ali possesses an impeccable assessment skill. He is able to spot minute details before patients start to circle down the drain and most of the time prevent bad things from happening. To back it up, he is the only RN in the unit who has 3 certifications, namely the CCRN, and both adult cardiac medicine and cardiac surgery certifications.
Ali is very good with customer service. I see this myself when Ali has time to sit down with family members to answer their questions. And if he doesn't know the answer, he is not hesitant to ask the senior nurses and humbly ask the physician the best answer to the vulnerable questions.
Ali leads by example, a great coach to new grad and young nurses joining our team. There was this one situation that when I was about to put an IO because the MD had difficulty placing a central line to a patient, Ali stopped me and let all the new other nurses gather and see how an IO is inserted properly.
Two big things that Ali does is paying attention to detail. He believes that those little things that often other people miss make a big difference in the patient care and better outcomes. Ali, as Chair with the UAC, knows well the quality indicators of patient care and being thorough is a quality that cannot be omitted.
Ali uses active listening in working collaboratively and interdisciplinarity with health care workers. Because, you cannot help it when working in ICU, that at times can be so intense, sometimes your body language is everything. In short, Ali listens with his heart, so genuine that it is an honor to work with Ali. I know in my heart that Ali will inspire a lot of nurses to come to work ready and take care of the sick and weary using all the evidence-based best practice applied and for sure will promote better patient outcomes.

June 2025

Dani Boline & Nai Santiago

Submitted by: Gayle Payonk
I would like to recognize Nai Santiago and Dani Boline for their quick thinking, teamwork, and compassionate response during a recent situation involving a missing patient. When a patient who arrived by ambulance and wheelchair was not found in the clinic, Nai and Dani immediately noticed the concern and began investigating. They learned that the lab was searching for the patient and confirmed she was no longer in the lobby. Wasting no time, Nai and Dani took action and went outside on Taylor Street to search.

When a fellow oncology nurse asked what they were looking for, they explained they were searching for a patient in a wheelchair and hospital gown. The nurse recalled seeing someone fitting that description heading toward the parking structure. Nai and Dani didn’t hesitate—they ran in full sprint and found the patient near Paulina Street. When they approached her, the patient shared that she just wanted to go to 7-Eleven for some chips. Nai responded with empathy and kindness, assuring the patient that she would get her chips (and she did!). They safely returned the patient to 1E OCC so she could continue with her scheduled visits and lab appointment.

This moment is a powerful example of Caring—Nai and Dani treated the patient with dignity and compassion. It also reflects true Accountability and Excellence—they noticed something was wrong, took responsibility, and acted swiftly and effectively. And most importantly, they prioritized the patient’s Safety and demonstrated Respect in every step of their response. Thank you, Nai and Dani, for going above and beyond. Your actions embody our core values and make a meaningful difference in patient care.

Teresa Garcia & Zulma Matias

Submitted by: Gayle Payonk
Teresa and Zulma are recognized for their extraordinary professionalism, compassion, and dedication, as witnessed during a recent and particularly challenging patient interaction. One afternoon in April, an elderly patient scheduled to receive chemotherapy and radiation at UI Health faced an unexpected and distressing situation. His recent change in insurance coverage—with out-of-network benefits—placed his care here at risk due to significantly higher out-of-pocket costs. Understandably, his spouse and daughter came to our outpatient oncology clinic at 4:00 PM, visibly worried, overwhelmed, and searching for answers. The complexity of the situation was further heightened by a language barrier, as the patient's spouse primarily speaks Spanish, relying on her daughter to translate.

Recognizing the urgency and emotional weight of the situation, I reached out to Teresa and Zulma—via Teams at 4:30 PM, well after the typical workday was nearing its end. Without hesitation, they both agreed to join the meeting in person in my office to speak directly with the family. Over the next hour, I watched Teresa and Zulma communicate fluently in Spanish, patiently and compassionately guiding the spouse and daughter through a complex and unfamiliar insurance situation. They took the time to listen with empathy, clarify their concerns, and propose financial solutions that could allow this patient to continue receiving care here at UI Health.

The impact of their care was palpable. The family left with visible relief, tearful gratitude, and a renewed sense of hope. Their ability to provide clarity during a moment of fear and confusion was not only a demonstration of their expertise—it was a testament to the kind of heart-centered care we strive to offer every day. Their willingness to extend yourselves late into the afternoon, their cultural sensitivity, communication skills, and sincere commitment to the wellbeing of our patients and their families exemplify the very best of UI Health. Their dedication truly makes a difference for our patients.

April 2025

Michael Lee & Simmeon Strong

Submitted by: Jerome Streety
The security department wants to thank and congratulate both Simmeon Strong and Michael Lee for saving a patient's life.

In the early morning hours one day, security was dispatched to assist with a patient. The patient was given medication by the ED nursing staff to help relax. Security stood by with the patient until the medication began to work. An intuition or gut feeling must have kicked in because security decided to stay longer to ensure the patient responded appropriately to the medication. Shortly after, security officers Simmeon Strong and Michael Lee noticed the patient was not breathing. Concerned and worried, they both checked with each other for verification, and concluded the patient had stopped breathing. Immediately they informed the ED nursing staff and came over to check on the patient. The nursing staff verified the patient had stopped breathing and did not have a pulse. The nursing staff immediately started CPR and several minutes later, the patient was stabilized.

Again, a big THANK YOU AND A JOB WELL DONE on saving this patient's life! It is not every day that incidents like this happen, but when they do, it's our compassion and our professionalism that make us who we are!

Lori Christopher

Submitted by: Chunghee Lee, RN & Gina Lee Choi, MD
I am honored to nominate Lori for her exceptional dedication, problem-solving skills, and commitment to patient care.

Recently, one of our Family Medicine doctors had a patient needing urgent evaluation by the neurology team. When I asked our charge nurse who to contact, she immediately pointed to Lori. Lori quickly took charge, using her expertise to navigate the situation. Instead of just advising us to contact Bed Control, she proactively reached out herself. When she learned the hospital was at full capacity, she escalated the case to neuroscience clinic leadership.

Lori didn’t stop there. She contacted the MS specialist for guidance on the workup and ensured the Referral Coordinator in Family Medicine had all necessary authorizations in place to avoid delays. She coordinated with Radiology to expedite the patient’s imaging and secured approval for the patient to be scheduled the following week.

Understanding the importance of continuity, Lori reviewed the lumbar puncture clinic’s coverage and confirmed the patient had adequate family support to attend appointments. She even reached out to the Department Head’s nurse for approval to add the procedure to the schedule.

Lori’s proactive efforts ensured the patient received timely, coordinated care. Her ability to anticipate needs, collaborate across departments, and go above and beyond embodies the core values of UI Health—Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence. She is a true asset to her team and to UI Health.

Feb 2025

Dr. Samuel Wainwright

Submitted by: Laura Ansilio
The inpatient therapy team would like to recognize Dr. Sam Wainwright as a steadfast patient advocate and a role model in collaboration and ICARE values.

If you’ve worked with Dr. Wainwright, you’ve experienced the energy and passion he brings to patient care. He treats all team members with respect, regularly thanking them for their partnership, offering help in tough situations, and celebrating their successes. He paints a clear picture of his patients, ensures the necessary consultants are involved, and communicates promptly about their needs and plans.

Here are a few examples of Dr. Wainwright’s persistent patient advocacy:

A patient admitted from a nursing home under a state-appointed guardian was determined by Dr. Wainwright to be cognitively intact and capable of decision-making. He worked with the family and facilitated a formal appeal of the guardianship, allowing the patient to return home.
Dr. Wainwright was the attending for a patient post-amputation with significant medical history, including contractures. He collaborated with the therapy team and PM&R to optimize care and support the patient’s goal of independence.
On multiple occasions, he’s been seen answering patient alarms or call lights while walking down the hall, always willing to assist with any task, even outside his own patient load.
When a patient and their son refused SAR, Dr. Wainwright facilitated communication between the patient, family, and facility to ensure the patient’s safe discharge and placement.
In a complex discharge involving an uninsured patient, Dr. Wainwright was in constant communication with the therapy team to find a solution that would allow the patient to go home safely.

The rehab department greatly appreciates Dr. Wainwright’s dedication to patient care, collaboration, and advocacy. We have immense respect for him and believe he truly deserves recognition.

Jan 2025

Tom Guerrero

Submitted by: Kristina Skare
I brought a challenging, time-sensitive problem to Tom, on an early Monday morning. It was a problem that several people had been trying to solve that morning, without any luck. I called Tom, just hoping that he might have a potential answer and he had a solution within (not an exaggeration) 12 minutes. Tom had the solution that no one else had.

Is Tom Guerrero a super hero? Let's examine this.

Super heroes face challenges and lean into the adversity. I can bring what seems like the most challenging problem to Tom and he smiles and lifts the issue onto his shoulder to carry it to the end result. Super heroes inspire others and lead by example to build unity through their actions. Tom allows staff, managers, anyone to contact him personally and treats them as if their issue is the most important on his list for the day. Super heroes possess remarkable problem-solving skills. I have never met a problem that Tom can't solve or help to find a resource to solve. Super heroes have an unwavering commitment to their cause. Tom will never tell you that it's not his job, that it's beneath him, or that he can't do it. I don't think that Tom even has the word "can't" in his vocabulary.

Super heroes are show strength, they lead, they create, and they excel. So does Tom Guerrero.

Dec 2024

Cherry Joy Ayala

Submitted by: Ula Budz
Cherry consistently goes above and beyond in her care for patients, demonstrating exceptional clinical skills and a deep commitment to patient well-being. I recently witnessed this firsthand when she was caring for a patient who was not her assigned patient, assisting them in the bathroom. The amount of empathy and care coming from Cherry is just palpable.

Cherry is not just a skilled nurse, but a mentor and inspiration to others. Her dedication to providing holistic care is truly inspiring. As she spends much more time at the bedside, I often seek her opinion on patient needs. Her commitment to her patients is unwavering and serves as a constant inspiration to me.

Cherry is a true asset to our small but mighty CDU team. She is not only an incredibly skilled and knowledgeable nurse, but she is also a joy to work with (Truly living up to her name, Cherry Joy - sweet and happy). Her positive attitude and genuine compassion are contagious, and she always goes the extra mile to ensure that not only her patients feel cared for but also the rest of the team, including the nurse practitioners. She is a shining example of what it means to be an extraordinary nurse.

If I were ever to be admitted to the hospital, I can't think of a nurse I'd rather have than Cherry. Her care and compassion are truly exceptional.

Erin O’Donnell

Submitted by: Kristina Skare
There is something that is heroic about kindness. If kindness is heroic, Erin O'Donnell is the Superwoman of our department. One day, we had a patient who has experienced failing health with a chronic condition and who had a medical exacerbation during their therapy session. Erin recognized the mildest of symptoms, took action, and identified the need for further care. These kinds of events can feel distressing to the health care provider, as well, but Erin remained focused on the patient throughout the remainder of the day, even well past her scheduled work hours. This isn't the first time that I've seen Erin care deeply for her patient nor the first time that I've seen Erin go beyond the call of duty to follow-up with a patient. Health care is scientific, and it takes people to make it human. Erin brings humanity and scientific knowledge together in a way that is absolutely touching.

Maria Perez

Submitted by: Mathew Ajjarapu
Maria works in the I.S. department, where it’s common to tackle issues across multiple Epic modules and workflows. Often, these involve areas we may not fully understand. For instance, someone in Inpatient Pharmacy may be an expert in drug ordering but might not know how drugs are used in the O.R. or a clinic. This creates challenges in our hospital and clinics, as Epic analysts may not always fully test workflows or grasp all end-user implications. When changes are released into the live environment, nurses, doctors, and other staff might face confusion or frustration if we miss something.

I’m nominating Maria because she consistently works to avoid these issues. She focuses on complex procedural workflows, like in the GI Lab and Endoscopy, which many people aren’t familiar with. While the ED workflow might be simple, it’s much more complicated when patients undergo procedures and move between different bed assignments. I’ve worked on issues involving this, and Maria has always been incredibly helpful, patient, and generous with her time. She explains things clearly, even creating educational materials that we’ve used to help end-users better navigate Epic—whether that’s attending physicians who don’t often use Epic or people like me who still have plenty to learn.

In short, Maria is awesome. Her patience, knowledge, experience, ample explanations, and kindness are really appreciated, and her helping us test and deploy workflows that are better designed / better understood / better explained really go a long way in helping Epic run smoother for patients and providers alike. Seriously, if you knew how hard working in I.T./Epic can be sometimes... having someone like Maria explain everything so you don't mess it up is always appreciated.

Tammy Lee

Submitted by: Laura Ansilio
Tammy is the type of provider I would trust to care for my own family. She demonstrates excellence every day, and two recent examples of her exceptional patient care truly stand out.

One example involves a patient with frequent readmissions due to wounds, infections, no insurance, and poor mobility, nearly bed-bound. Tammy noticed the patient’s anxiety about discharge and created a safe space for him to express his concerns, many of which he hadn’t shared with anyone else. She coordinated with me and the care team to explore any further services. When it became clear there was no more medical intervention to offer, Tammy and her OT counterpart, Hannah, worked closely with the patient and his family. They educated them on home adaptations for mobility, self-care, and preventing pressure injuries, while also providing adaptive equipment to help the patient eat and drink independently when care was unavailable.

Another example is a patient who underwent same-day surgery at the SCB. The plan was for the patient to return home post-op, but the patient, now non-weightbearing on one leg, was unaware of the significant lifestyle changes this would cause. Tammy spent extra time with her, providing detailed instructions on mobility, self-care, and daily life with this new restriction. When it became clear no one had addressed the patient’s post-op DME and home care needs, Tammy took proactive steps, persistently communicating with discharge planning to ensure the patient had the necessary orders for a safe transition home.

We are incredibly grateful for Tammy’s persistence and meticulous care. She ensures no issue goes unaddressed, keeps leadership involved, and is an integral part of our problem-solving team.

Vivian Barbosa

Submitted by: Jennifer Stenger and Amy Nagel
One day a patient arrived with her mother and young sibling for a PT initial evaluation. The mother expressed that it is too difficult to bring her daughter to UIH from where she lives and wished she could go somewhere closer to home. She stated she called places her insurance stated she could go to but when she would call the clinics would tell her that they don’t take her insurance. I looked at what insurance she had and there should be options for her closer to home. I asked Vivian for any advice she could provide. She came into the room to speak to the mother and asked her to email her the list of places her insurance stated she could go to. Vivian then told us that she would compile a list of places that would be close to their home that her insurance would be accepted by and will call the patient with her findings. The mother was very grateful for the help. This is just one example of Vivian going above and beyond, for patients as well as co-workers.

Vivian routinely goes above and beyond to assist her colleagues and patients far beyond what is expected of her. She takes pride in helping other people and sharing her vast insurance knowledge. Vivian is a true asset to our department. She also puts a lot of time and effort into the appreciation celebrations we have in our department including food contributions at potlucks to embroidering personalized bags for staff. Vivian routinely goes above and beyond to assist her colleagues and patients far beyond what is expected of her. She takes pride in helping other people and sharing her vast insurance knowledge. Vivian is a true asset to our department. She also puts a lot of time and effort into the appreciation celebrations we have in our department including food contributions at potlucks to embroidering personalized bags for staff.

About UI Health