Three UTSW employees receive Regents’ Outstanding Employee Award
The three UT Southwestern winners of the 2018 Regents’ Outstanding Employee Award (ROEA) – selected by the UT System Office of the Chancellor and UT System Administration executive officers from nominations submitted earlier this year – were honored May 14 at the awards luncheon in Austin.
The winners were Tomas Armendariz, Nursing Manager of Apheresis, Zale Lipshy University Hospital; Wendy Bishop, Senior Research Manager, Department of Clinical Sciences; and Julia Rand, Certified Medical Office Assistant, University Hospital Breast Imaging Services.
This annual award recognizes full-time, benefits eligible, nonfaculty employees who have “shown outstanding performance, innovation, enthusiasm, and dedication in their job,” regardless of their role. It is given to 30 recipients from the 14 UT System institutions plus the UT System Administration.
Tomas Armendariz, B.S.N., RN
In 2016, UT Southwestern was undergoing a site visit for Magnet designation, the highest honor awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center and the gold standard of nursing excellence. At the time, Mr. Armendariz, a nurse in the Apheresis Department at Zale Lipshy University Hospital, served as the Chair of the Nursing Informatics Committee and met with Magnet appraisers to discuss innovative technology used at UTSW. That year, UT Southwestern earned its Magnet designation.
“Tomas was a key player in this meeting and impressed the surveyors by describing one of the projects in the Apheresis Department,” said Mr. Armendariz’s nominator, Tsedey Melaku, Director of Nursing Informatics. The project was the use of a modified early warning system (MEWS) to assist with the early identification of inpatients who may be deteriorating.
“Tomas and his team researched the potential of using the MEWS score in procedural areas, and the Magnet surveyor was impressed by this innovation,” Ms. Melaku said.
Perhaps more important than his informatics work is his ability to connect with patients and foresee their needs. He was instrumental with implementing call-ahead communications to give patients the opportunity to ask questions and get screened for upcoming procedures. Outside of work, he volunteers at his local church, where he led a basic first responder class for church leaders in the use of CPR and implementation of the new automated external defibrillator.
Mr. Armendariz, who is now a Nursing Manager, has received many local and regional awards recognizing him for his outstanding performance and patient support, such as the D Magazine 2017 Excellence in Nursing Award.
Lisa Dalton, Director of Clinical Ancillary Services, said: “He is a respected team player who exhibits compassion, integrity, and fairness in addition to being an advocate for both patients and colleagues. Not only is he an exceptional nurse – as evidenced by his caring and compassionate demeanor, commitment to service excellence, and strong critical-thinking skills – but he also thrives to create a positive and energetic work environment for staff through creative opportunities to advance staff professionally and boost morale.
“Tomas not only communicates information clearly to his patients and staff, but more importantly is a great listener for patients, families, caregivers, staff, and faculty,” Ms. Dalton continued. “Through solid communication skills, Tomas stands strong as a patient advocate whenever indicated.”
Upon learning he won the award, Mr. Armendariz acknowledged his upbringing and the professional climb he made to his current position.
“I never thought that a nurse like myself – someone whose parents were immigrants to the U.S., who worked my own way through college, and who started my career as a Certified Nurse Aide in high school – could ever have this type of opportunity,” Mr. Armendariz said. “It shows that hard work, perseverance, and continued focus on patient care should always remain the center of your nursing career.”
He expressed his gratitude to those who continue to support him in his efforts: “I would like to thank my Lord, Jesus Christ, who always keeps me grounded and continues to bless my life daily. I would also like to thank my family for being supportive during my times of extended work hours and trips to conferences for further continued education.”
Wendy Bishop, M.S.
Since 2007, Ms. Bishop has gone from coordinating a single study to leading a team of more than 60 professional research staff and 15 administrative personnel as the Senior Research Manager in Clinical Sciences. Now, she and her team support more than 50 population science studies conducted by faculty in Clinical Sciences, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, Surgery, and Internal Medicine.
Early in her time at UTSW, she looked into how other top medical centers help employees advance up the professional ladder. Then, she worked closely with Human Resources to create a new job family of population research positions so that UTSW could recruit, train, promote, and retain these critical employees. Additionally, she was part of the Steering Committee for the Leadership Foundations Program, for which she offered expertise in database design and program evaluation measurement and statistics.
“Wendy’s mantra throughout the whole design process was that we are a research institution and, as such, we should treat everything we do with the care, precision, and excellence applied as if we are publishing the results in a refereed journal,” said Dr. Suzanne Farmer, Assistant Vice President of Organizational Development and Training.
Ms. Bishop’s supervisor, Dr. Celette Sugg Skinner, Professor of Clinical Sciences, nominated Ms. Bishop for the award.
“Not only did she do the research to find what worked best for UT Southwestern, she also shared what she learned and successfully implemented it with other institutions facing similar challenges,” said Dr. Skinner, who holds the Parkland Community Medicine Professorship.
In addition, Ms. Bishop developed and activated a new departmental mission statement and illustrated how every staff position supports the mission. At monthly staff meetings, she invites principal investigators to tell the stories of how they developed their research and what the science is accomplishing.
“Now, even staff who process travel expenses for scientific meetings have an understanding of the research findings and how those findings contribute to the public good,” Dr. Skinner said. “She has helped faculty members become better leaders and managers and routinely meets with faculty to discuss team dynamics and project management.”
Her care for others extends beyond her own team into the community. She was the creative force behind the new Community Research Registry, a UTSW program that enrolls underserved and underrepresented community members into research studies.
“Development and expansion of this recruitment resource, as well as our participation in community health events, has enhanced and strengthened the image of UTSW, the Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, and the Department of Clinical Sciences,” one of her nomination letters reads. “We are now front and center for understanding health issues that are central to members of the Dallas-Fort Worth community.” The letter was co-written by Katharine McCallister, Population Science Project Coordinator; Emily Marks, Population Science Project Coordinator; and Joanne Sanders, Population Science Data Analyst.
When Ms. Bishop learned she won the award, she was in California taking care of a sister who had terminal cancer.
“In the midst of such sadness of my life, I received this really happy and unexpected award,” Ms. Bishop said. “I was so happy to share this with her before she passed.
“I feel humbled and honored to be recognized for the work I’ve done these past years,” she continued. “It’s a bit surreal because you never work thinking that anyone is going to recognize it. You do it because you believe in it. When I’ve had the opportunity to share the products of my labor, it has been the greatest reward.”
Ms. Bishop recognizes the mentors who have helped her in her endeavors: “Dr. Skinner has not only been the best boss, but an awesome mentor who first asked me to coordinate an R01 project nearly 10 years ago. Dr. Simon Lee, Associate Professor of Clinical Sciences, and Dr. Jasmin Tiro, Associate Professor of Clinical Sciences, have been great faculty to collaborate with on projects and brainstorm ways to improve processes at the University. Lastly, my staff have been the foundation of my support. They are incredible, and anyone at the University would be lucky to have them on their team.”
Julia Rand, CMA
Ms. Rand’s most basic role as Certified Medical Assistant with University Hospital Breast Imaging Services is to provide support for the radiologists performing breast ultrasounds and ultrasound-guided procedures. For image-guided procedures, Ms. Rand sets up the equipment, appropriately positions the patient, and annotates the images.
But her colleagues agree that her supportive nature goes beyond radiologists to their patients – often carrying on conversations with them to help distract them from the procedures.
“She keeps the patient fully informed and comfortable throughout their visit,” said her nominator, Dr. Stephen J. Seiler, Assistant Professor of Radiology and Medical Director of Breast Imaging. “Her calm demeanor, thorough knowledge of the procedures, and ability to anticipate a patient’s needs help put the patient at ease and create a solid foundation for the radiologists to build strong patient-physician relationships.
“She is a vital member of our clinic and is a dedicated, dependable, and hardworking employee who consistently goes above and beyond her required duties. ‘It’s who we are. It’s what we do’ – she taught me this mantra when I was a fellow, when we would routinely stay late to perform add-on procedures.”
Evidence of Ms. Rand’s ability to connect with people include her Strauss Service Excellence Award, favorable Press Ganey data-gathering feedback, and PACT awards. Her attention to detail has allowed her to recognize the needs of patients that many others might miss. For example, observing there was no place for women to put their purses in ultrasound rooms, she devised hangers that keep purses off the floor.
Ms. Rand is also constantly looking for ways to enhance her own productivity and that of her colleagues, using any downtime to help the clinic in meaningful ways. She provided input on the script and filming of informational videos explaining step-by-step what patients can expect when they undergo a needle biopsy of the breast. She also serves as a volunteer member of the Fall Risk Task Force for University Hospitals, and suggested a tagline – “Call, Don’t Fall” – be printed on mugs and provided to patients.
“Keeping patients safe is at the forefront of every thought Julia has,” said Amber Ledesma, Clinical Operations Manager with Breast Imaging Services. “Julia is extremely intuitive and picks up on minor signals from patients, physicians, and colleagues who may need special attention. Through her ability to adjust her workflow and communication style, Julia is able to turn potential negative and stressful situations for those around her into relaxed and positive experiences.”
Ms. Rand said she was truly overwhelmed to hear she had been selected for the award.
“Being recognized for doing something you love is the ultimate honor,” she said. “Every day, excellent care is provided to all of our patients. This job is not done for recognition, but to help people and provide hope. Being recognized by the UT System validates that the System truly understands the smallest contributions can make a big impact on our patients and their families.”
She also expressed her gratitude to those who encourage her.
“There are many people who have played a part in my receiving this honor,” Ms. Rand said. “I thank our patients who choose us for their health care needs and truly inspire me each day. I owe heartfelt gratitude to my managers, medical directors, and all my UT Southwestern colleagues whom I work with each day who encourage new ideas with support, enthusiasm, and passion.”