At Advocate Health, we believe everyone matters and create spaces where all belong and can thrive. This is our Commitment to Lift Everyone Up, and our teammates, clinicians and nurses across the enterprise are putting this promise into action.
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Ashley Cruz, a psychometrist in the North Carolina & Georgia Division, helped a patient feel more comfortable. Her colleague Heather England writes: “[The patient] was nervous about testing, but your kindness and professionalism helped her greatly. Thank you for lifting up our patients and simultaneously lifting up our practice and reputation.” |
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Brooke Stephens, a director of nursing services in the North Carolina & Georgia Division, lifts everyone up in her workspace. Jennifer Goossens, who reports to Brooke, writes: “You have created a workspace where staff feels safe to come to work and talk to you. You have helped me become a better nurse and for that I am grateful.” |
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Mary Ellen Grosz, a medical assistant in the Illinois Division, went above and beyond to lift up her peer by creating a “Mirtha Day,” where she planned a lunch party surprising colleague Mirtha with all her favorite things. Dori Ducato, Mary Ellen’s former teammate and friend, writes: “While Mirtha and Mary Ellen work in the same space, they work for different teams and rarely interact. I was so impressed to see someone not only realize the hard work of someone on a different team, but to also work with all the teams to pull together a wonderful treat that everyone could enjoy. The turnout was huge and really showed that while people may not work together, they still appreciate and respect the hard work they see around them every day.” |
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Dr. Michelle Ruano, a pediatrician in the Illinois Division, helped a young patient feel better about discussing how he felt with his care team. The patient’s parent notes: “I am so incredibly impressed with Dr. Ruano. She talked with my son and listened to him carefully to get information on how he was feeling and made him feel comfortable, which speaks volumes. ... She addressed concerns and tailored a treatment plan to specific patient needs. She is a wonderful doctor, incredibly intelligent and warm-hearted. She is the epitome of the ideal pediatrician.” |
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Dr. Piotr Michaliszyn, a lead supervisor-hospitalist in the Illinois Division, consistently creates space where all belong and can thrive. Colleague Dr. Joanna Maurice writes: “Dr. Michaliszyn fosters an environment of wellness and support, even during the most challenging times, such as high-volume census periods. He goes above and beyond to create a work dynamic where everyone feels valued, ensuring that even a brief moment to sit down and share a meal is possible. His commitment to collegiality, engagement and promoting work-life balance has a profound impact on the team, making the workplace not only manageable but truly enjoyable, even under pressure. We are so blessed to have him in our organization.” |
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Samir Yacout, a medical technologist in the North Carolina & Georgia Division, helped welcome teammate Christine McLaughlin, a lead medical technologist, as she started her new position. Christine recognizes Samir: “Thank you for all of your efforts to help me feel so welcomed during my first week here! Your kindness is making this big transition a lot less stressful, and I truly appreciate it.” |
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Tammy Erickson, a patient service representative in the Wisconsin Division, recently came to the rescue of her teammate Romesh Jayasundara before being asked when Romesh’s car wouldn’t start. He shares: “My friend and colleague Tammy saw me struggling and offered to pick me up the following day to take me to work. Tammy works more than one job and happened to work her second job following her shift last night. The fact that Tammy went out of her way to drive from her home to come pick me up on the east side of Milwaukee this morning is not lost on me, and I am SO appreciative. We have the best teammates here who will jump through hoops to help in any way, and for that I am forever grateful.” |
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Vickie Delgado, a medical assistant in the Illinois Division, creates a psychological safe space for her teammates. Vickie’s team leader Ebony Bizzle writes: “Today, I witnessed one of our newer teammates open up about struggling with completing encounters and often second-guessing herself. Vickie took the time to encourage her to be confident and trust in her abilities. Vickie also shared her own experiences from when she first started, emphasizing the importance of trusting yourself to make the right decisions. The teammate thanked Vickie for her support and now feels ready to approach encounters with a fresh perspective.” |
Know a fellow teammate who brings our Purpose & Commitments to life? Send a Commitment badge through our Recognition & Rewards Platform! You can also share your own story for a chance to be featured in an upcoming communication.
