Awarding Excellence in Patient Care: Recognizing Outstanding Employees at the Medical Center
University of Rochester Medical Center Shines in Excellence Awards
The University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) has been recognized for its exceptional work in various departments, with several teams and individuals receiving awards in 2011.
Marc Berliant, M.D., was honoured with the 2011 Board Excellence Award as the winning physician at URMC. Berliant, the medical director of Strong Internal Medicine, implemented a team-based, medical home model that boosted practice efficiency and allowed the clinic to accept new patients who are discharged from Strong but haven't yet found a personal provider.
In the Nursing category, Shayne Hawkins, R.N, received the 2011 Board Excellence Award. Hawkins, the nurse manager of the Neurology inpatient unit, is recognized for her leadership, caregiving skills, and development of communication techniques that make the hospital more patient- and family-friendly. Her team's passion and happiness translate to patients giving the unit high marks on voluntary satisfaction surveys.
The Palliative Care Team received a group Excellence Award for their community-wide palliative care and end-of-life initiatives. The team serves approximately 250 patients each year and excels at delivering patient-centered medical care and disease management, coupled with therapeutic activities for patients and families.
Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation's Ambulatory Clinic team received a Team Excellence Award for their efforts to extend the best care possible, with customer satisfaction marks of 95 percent. The unit's HCAHPS scores topped out at a perfect 100 percent in the areas of "Courtesy," "Listening," and "Pain Management" in October. The team has been piloting team bedside rounding and a new pharmacy project that offers one-on-one medication counseling at discharge.
The 4-3400 Med-Surg unit received a Team Excellence Award for their relentless pursuit of quality improvement and embrace of new strategies that empower patients and families. Under their leadership, the unit's scores have helped the unit exceed national performance benchmarks many months in a row.
Lenora Colaruotlo, LMSW, received the 2011 Board Excellence Award in the Dentistry category. Colaruotlo, a senior social worker serving the Eastman Institute for Oral Health, is recognized for her compassion, resourcefulness, insight, and persistence in championing children's dental needs, improving oral health of low-income residents, and advocating for quality-of-life dental matters for frail patients who've finished cancer treatments. Colaruotolo organized the charity event "Sponsor a Smile," which has raised over $9,000 to help patients pay for transportation to appointments, prescriptions, and other medical needs.
Michael Ritz, of the Office of Research and Project Administration, received the 2011 Excellence Award for Business professionals. Ritz is responsible for standardizing all of the medical center's clinical research financial and billing processes.
Lastly, the eRecord Implementation Team received a Team Excellence Award for their transformative effort to unify the medical center's diverse medical information systems. The team worked tirelessly to purchase, build, and retrain staff on the new technology system in 18 months.
While specific details about the 2011 Excellence Award winners in other categories and units are not available, these achievements highlight the Medical Center's commitment to excellence in patient care, research, and administration.
- The University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) has been renowned for its dedication to science, as evidenced by their exemplary work in various fields.
- Chronic diseases have seen significant improvement due to the groundbreaking research conducted at URMC.
- The Medical Center's emphasis on workplace-wellness extends to promoting sleep health and improving the overall well-being of employees.
- URMC offers comprehensive care for a wide range of medical conditions, including cancer and respiratory conditions, ensuring the best possible outcomes for patients.
- The Medical Center is committed to ensuring optimal digestive health, offering specialized care and therapies for patients.
- URMC's Eye Health department is equipped to handle a variety of eye-related issues, ensuring the preservation of vision for many patients.
- Hearing care is an essential aspect of health and wellness at URMC, with a dedicated team of experts providing services to those in need.
- Fitness and exercise play a crucial role in health and wellness, with URMC offering programs and resources to promote a healthy lifestyle.
- URMC's Sexual Health department provides confidential, compassionate care to individuals seeking assistance with sexual health concerns.
- The Medical Center offers specialized care for those suffering from autoimmune disorders, providing relief and management strategies for patients.
- The effects of climate change have not been overlooked by URMC, with research projects focusing on the impact of climate change on health and wellness.
- The Medical Center is involved in the manufacturing industry, designing and producing medical devices to improve patient care.
- Mental Health is given equal importance at URMC, with a dedicated team providing therapies and treatments to those suffering from mental health issues.
- URMC offers Men's Health services, with a focus on preventative care and early detection of common male health issues.
- Skin Care is an essential aspect of health and wellness, with URMC offering treatments for various skin conditions and disorders.
- URMC is at the forefront of research in therapies and treatments, working to advance the field and improve patient outcomes.
- Nutrition plays a vital role in overall health and wellness, with URMC offering resources and counseling to help patients make informed dietary choices.
- Aging is a significant factor in health and wellness, and URMC offers specialized care and resources to help older adults maintain their health and independence.
- Women's Health services are offered at URMC, with a focus on preventative care, reproductive health, and menopause management.
- Parenting resources are available at URMC, providing support, education, and resources for new and expectant parents.
- Weight Management is an integral part of health and wellness, with URMC offering programs and resources to help individuals achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
- Cardiovascular Health is a priority at URMC, with a dedicated team offering preventative care and treatments for heart disease.
- The Medical Center is involved in various industries, including finance, energy, and real estate, with a focus on creating innovative solutions for the betterment of society.
- Medicare is an essential aspect of healthcare for seniors, and URMC offers resources and guidance to help individuals navigate the complex system.
- CBD has shown promise in the treatment of various medical conditions, and URMC is conducting research to determine its efficacy.
- Neurological Disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease are a focus of research at URMC, with a goal of finding new treatments and cures.
- Environmental Science is a growing field at URMC, with a focus on understanding the impact of our environment on health and wellness.
- URMC offers resources and guidance on financial matters, including personal finance, banking, and investing.
- Entrepreneurship, leadership, diversity, and inclusion are all values embraced by URMC, with a focus on fostering small businesses and promoting innovation in various sectors, including transportation, retail, and ventures.
