Congratulations to the fourth-quarter 2019 recipients of the Diana and Richard C. Strauss Service Excellence Award, honoring employees who exemplify excellent care and service, professionalism, a positive attitude, dedication to teamwork, dependability, enthusiasm, and compassion for patients, guests, and co-workers. The awards are presented quarterly throughout the calendar year. The following employees were selected for their outstanding care and service during the fourth quarter. 

HOSPITALS

Brett Lambert
Operations Supervisor – Materials Management
Clements University Hospital

April 2020 will mark Brett Lambert’s second year at UT Southwestern as Operations Supervisor in Materials Management. His favorite part of his role is the groundwork and day-to-day operation of his department. Mr. Lambert is proud to contribute efforts toward smooth, seamless functions of Materials Management while helping to play a major part in UT Southwestern’s patient care. His colleagues speak highly of “his compassion, care, and overall leadership qualities at all times.” Mr. Lambert appreciates UTSW’s many opportunities for career development and loves the frequency with which he can meet new colleagues. Outside of work, he serves as a volunteer coach to a youth baseball team, mentoring the players as they grow into young men. Mr. Lambert also belongs to an adult softball league.

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Sonia Lujan
Transplant Coordinator Assistant
Clements University Hospital

Sonia Lujan began her career at UT Southwestern eight years ago as a CSA 1 Scheduler. Today, she is a Transplant Coordinator Assistant and enjoys helping patients navigate the journey of receiving a bone marrow transplant, assisting coordinators with patient scheduling and helping coordinate with donors. Ms. Lujan is proud to work at UT Southwestern and loves the people she works with. Her colleagues know her as compassionate and willing to step in and help under any circumstance. Ms. Lujan also dedicates a great deal of time to supporting and helping with the many activities sponsored by the myeloma team, such as team runs and other fun, meaningful events.

Generations of Ms. Lujan’s family have owned Mexican restaurants, and on her off-hours, she loves to cook. Her homemade hot sauce is well known and frequently gifted to appreciative staff all over the hospital.

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John O’Neal
Director of Spiritual Care and Support
University Hospital

John O’Neal came to UT Southwestern as a volunteer in the Clinical Pastoral Education program and found a home here, officially joining the organization five years ago. As the Director of Spiritual Care and Support, the Rev. O’Neal takes time to listen to the unit managers who are working to make a difference in their patients’ lives, and also speaks with patients to understand their perspective and ensure that their voices are heard. The Rev. O’Neal says he loves working at UTSW for its broad and diverse community, and for his everyday interactions with patients and staff from very different backgrounds.

The Rev. O’Neal is well respected by his colleagues and those around campus. One of his colleagues said, “When he listens, he listens. When action needs to be taken, he takes it. When recreation is needed, he helps the department find ways to refresh.” Outside of work he is very active in congregations as a volunteer or music minister. He is currently a music minister at Midway Hills Christian Church.

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Kimberly Robinson, CST
Surgical Technologist – OR
Zale Lipshy Pavilion

Kimberly Robinson is a Surgical Technologist in Zale OR who joined UT Southwestern in 2015. She welcomes the different challenges her role brings and finds meaning in the specific cases themselves. She enjoys working at UTSW because of the close-knit community and the excellent patient care. Ms. Robinson’s colleagues appreciate and value her for “stepping up and doing what’s needed for neurosurgical patients with a compassionate attitude. She is not afraid to advocate for her patients and insists that surgeons, residents, and co-workers follow policies.”

Ms. Robinson graduated from Virginia College in Florida with a degree in surgical technology but is going back to school to pursue a nursing degree. Outside of work, she helps to lead the surgical unit’s community service initiative, which includes serving the Salvation Army of Dallas, participating in the Dallas Heart Walk, and sponsoring children with a “backpack drive” as they head back to school.

 

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CLINICS

Omar Milliner
Surgical Scrub Technician
Surgical Dermatology

In the words of Omar Milliner’s nominator, “Patients and families adore Omar. He is compassionate, witty, and clearly communicates with patients about post-operative care. He quickly develops rapport with patients and alleviates their anxiety, whether it is talking about football statistics or the joys of raising his teenagers. He has also made extensive efforts to improve the team and demonstrates willingness to serve any role needed. He never settles for great or even excellent – he is motivated to be the best for his patients.”

Mr. Milliner is active in his community and church. In his five years in Texas, he has been involved with outreach efforts with his church, From the Heart Church Ministries of Dallas. He is passionate about his faith and inspiring others to reach their full potential in life.

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Cristi Goffney-Clay
Financial Counselor II
Radiation Oncology

According to her nominator, Cristi Goffney-Clay “is the glue that holds our billing staff together. She sees opportunities that others do not see. When she speaks, everyone listens. Cristi has shown professionalism and poise while working with all patients from Parkland, UT Southwestern, as well as with outside referrals and international locations. She is accountable for her actions and takes ownership to excel to the next level. She is always able to find something positive in any situation and deserves to be recognized for her attitude, personality, and work performance. She can make a way out of ‘No way’!”

Outside of UT Southwestern, Ms. Goffney-Clay participates in many service activities. She is a motivational and enrichment speaker in the community and part of a traveling book club. She is part of her church’s worship team and is active in Bible study. She also volunteers with organizations that feed the hungry and provide support for the sick and homebound.