JPS celebrates recipients of the 2018 John Peter Smith Excellence Awards this week, honoring 12 team members for exemplary performance and service to the communities JPS serves. Awards will be presented at a formal dinner on Wednesday night.
“At JPS a big part of our culture is to celebrate team members who perform their daily duties at a level beyond the expected,” said JPS President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Earley. “Our honorees are people who live our mission to transform healthcare delivery for the communities we serve.”
Here are the 2018 John Peter Smith Excellence Award winners, with a sample of the comments submitted by the colleagues who nominated them:
Margo Allen, RN, JPS Medical Home True Worth Place
“In baseball, the utility player is a jack-of-all-trades who propels the team to the playoffs. Margo is our utility player, a clinic nurse who does whatever it takes, at various times acting as a social worker, wound specialist, respite nurse and case manager.”
Kari Ankeney, Director, Enterprise Project Governance, IT Project Management
“Kari understands success is a team sport. She strives for excellence and creates a climate of continuous improvement while mentoring and inspiring others.”
Cindy Bowers, RN, Clinical Resource Specialist, Intensive Care Unit
“In the constantly changing world of critical care medicine, Cindy ensures best practices are in place in the ICU to provide the best possible care for our most critically ill patients.”
Dontoya Branch, RN, Critical Care, Cardiac Progressive Care (P4)
“When she sees a need, she fills it. A homeless man was admitted to the hospital wearing nothing on his feet but the yellow fall-resistant socks he was discharged with months prior. Dontoya was able to bless the patient with two pair of shoes.”
Vicki Burch, Clinical Specialist ICU, Respiratory Therapy
“Vicki developed new protocol for managing donor lungs, which allowed JPS to save twice as many lungs for lifesaving transplants in 2017.”
Renato Tapia Intriago, Maintenance Mechanic II, Plant Operations
“Renato is always keenly aware of the impact of his work on the lives of our patients and their families. He is dedicated to ensuring everyone at TSP has the best possible experience.”
Yesenia Lopez, Patient Access Team Lead, Community Health Administration
“Her outstanding problem solving and communication skills enable her to resolve patient concerns, turning frustrations to smile.”
Juan Ortiz, Maintenance Mechanic II, Plant Operations
“Demonstrating sincere concern for the safety and well-being of our patients and team members, he is committed to ensuring the environment at Trinity Springs Pavilion is one promoting healing and recovery.”
Gerardo Luna Perez, Multi-skilled Technician, Cardiac Progressive Care (P4)
“While shining the light of optimism in all circumstances, Gerry is a staunch advocate for his patients — not one to sit idle in the face of opportunities.”
Shelly Pyron, RN, RN Team Lead, Oncology
“Selfless in her commitment to JPS Health Network’s mission and values, Shelly ensures the cancer center provides the best care possible to each and every patient regardless of their circumstances.”
Elisabeth Rodgers, RN
“Elisabeth combines nursing skill and experience with project management and performance excellence to shepherd some of the most significant initiatives at JPS in recent years.”
G.B. Watson, Behavioral Health Specialist, Behavior Health Social Services
“A superhero among social workers, G.B. always sees the best in others and believes in every person’s ability to make positive changes in their circumstances.”