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2019 EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR - DAMIAN MELENDEZ!
Congratulations to Damian Melendez, who was named Employee of the Year for 2019! Damian is a medical service assistant in the Division of Internal Medicine within the Department of Medicine.
Damian was chosen from the group of twelve staff members who were named Employee of the Month throughout 2019. He was nominated for Employee of the Month by Kathleen Bolmer, RN, nurse manager, Department of Medicine, who said in her nomination, "Damien has been an asset to the Department of Medicine since his 2016 hire date. Recently, I received a written compliment from a physician commending Damian on the way he handled a difficult patient situation. Because of Damien's attentiveness, professional manner and positive attitude, he recognized the patient was upset, angry, anxious and unable to communicate with staff. Damian took the time to calm the patient, and turn the situation into a positive experience in which the patient expressed his appreciation for Damian's kind, reassuring approach."
Damian was presented with the honor by Vicki L. Craig, MD, FCCM, CPHQ, senior associate dean of safety, quality and clinical affairs at a celebratory event on Thursday. In her remarks, Dr. Craig noted Damian's leadership characteristics for which he was chosen and emphasized that leadership happens at all levels of the organization. Quoting the book Extreme Ownership: How U.S Navy Seals Lead and Win, she said, "Junior leaders take charge of their smaller teams and their piece of the mission. Efficiency and effectiveness increase exponentially and a high-performance, winning team is the result."
The event celebrated all of the Employee of the Month award winners from 2019, who were recognized by Rhonda L. Smith, PhD, associate dean for faculty and staff affairs. In her remarks, Dr. Smith noted the shared qualities of the awardees that were emphasized in their nominations, including compassion, helpfulness, positivity and dedication, among others.
Promoted by the Staff Council, the Employee of the Month initiative recognizes staff who have served the medical school in an exceptional manner by exemplifying outstanding service through his or her work and exhibiting a positive and supportive attitude. Visit the Staff Council's website to see a list of all staff members who were nominated in 2019, as well as information about how to nominate an individual.
