From pumpkins to puppies to prizes, this year’s Penn Medicine Experience (PMX) Week at Pennsylvania Hospital had ample activities to celebrate employees and their commitment to care. Here are a few of the week’s highlights, including fall festivities and employee recognition events.
Photos provided by Anthony Boyd, Security & Video Systems Specialist, and Lieutenant Bryan Mell, Security Supervisor.
Advocacy Awards
At PAH’s Advocacy Awards, held October 26, sixteen staff members were recognized for their compassion and thoughtfulness to not only the patients they serve, but also to their colleagues, including:
Yoshiko Nagata, a case manager in Mental Health and Drug & Alcohol Case Management & Social Work
Nagata is described with a “there is always a solution” attitude when working with patients. This was demonstrated during an interaction with a pregnant patient with schizophrenia, who was unable to safely take her medication while pregnant to alleviate symptoms of the disorder. Nagata stayed by the patient’s side and spoke with her providers on ways to manage symptoms throughout her pregnancy.
Ajit Singh, MD, a Medicine resident
On the first day of his rotation in the Oncology-Hematology unit, Singh took time to introduce himself to every nurse and asked how he could help them during his rotation. In his role, he also carefully listens to patients, both from a clinical perspective for their medical needs, and also their emotional needs to help them personally.
Lifetime Patient Advocacy Award: Barbara DeFlavis, an administrative assistant in Patient & Guest Relations
After more than 30 years of working at PAH, DeFlavis will be retiring this December. The award recognizes her consistent, compassionate care to patients throughout the three decades she has served at PAH. “It’s a blessing to be part of the PAH family,” said DeFlavis. “I strongly believe the best support you could do for a patient or their family is to be present and listen.”
Congratulations to all the recipients!
- Ericka Borrero, MSW, LSW
- Complecta Carrillo
- Tyrone Foster
- Stephanie Hollister, MSN, RN
- Abheena Jacob, BSN, RN
- Mary Pat Lynch, DNP, RN, AOCN, NEA-BC
- Ida Macri, BSN, RN, CIC
- Maida Masaba, BSN, RN
- Patricia Massey, MSN, RNC-MNN, CBC
- Ashley Mercado, BSN, RN
- Yoshiko Nagata
- Annelies Pfeiffer, MSN, RNC, WHNP-BC
- Kevin Pinder
- Ajit Singh, MD
- Samira Bey-Norris
- Rebecca Beck, BSN, RN, CMSRN
Pumpkins & Puppies in the Pennsy Garden
Staff gathered in the Elm Garden to vote for their favorite jack-o-lantern, decorated and designed by fellow colleagues. Entries included a pumpkin-turned-baseball etched with the Phillies logo, a stack of multiple pumpkins carved to form a pumpkin patient in preparation for surgery, and several submissions from the Hall Mercer Art Therapy group. In first place, created by Radiology Nurse Patricia Craig, RN, and the Breast Imaging team, was an intricately-carved bedazzled spider, bejeweled with silver rhinestones.
Dan Bangert and Oliver
Several PAWS for Pennsy dogs also joined staff in the garden for a pet therapy event. Among the group were familiar furry faces of therapy dogs who frequently visit patients and staff at the hospital, along with other dogs who were available for adoption from Morris Animal Refuge and Pennsylvania SPCA. Dan Bangert, lead horticulturist, adopted Oliver the dachshund, from Morris, who he felt was destined to join his family. “This summer, our beloved cat Daisy passed away. We didn’t plan to rush into a new pet out of respect for her, but when I saw Oliver, I knew we were destined to help each other,” said Bangert. “We know Daisy would be happy that we’re continuing to share our love with other animals who could benefit from it.”
Community Carnival
On its final day of PMX Week, staff gathered for a carnival with lawn games in the Elm Garden and live music from the Fralinger String Band, dressed in their vibrant Mummers gear.