We Care: Recent I CARE winners go above and beyond

Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital’s I CARE Award recognizes staff members who go above and beyond their regular job responsibilities to make BWFH a great place to work and receive care. This winter, the Rewards and Recognition Committee has delivered I CARE Awards to staff members from throughout the hospital.

Among them were:

Environmental Services employee Dinora Cortez, who had been working in PACU for only 3 weeks before her hard work was already being recognized by staff. "The PACU is so clean!" says PACU staff nurse Monica Sibert. "Dinora works very hard, but the best thing is her smile and happiness with her role that makes her stand out and special."

Food and Nutrition's Kostando (Dina) Sevi, who was recognized with an I CARE Award after she was spotted stepping in to cover the grill one busy morning when the chef had to step away. "For many that come to the Café in the morning, it's just before work and they don't have much time to wait," says Food Service Manager Karen Venezia. "Dina is aware of her customers and knew they needed to be on their way, so she stepped in to help her coworkers on both sides of the grill."

Psychiatry's Dr. Gabriel Tobia, who was noted for going beyond the expectations of his role as an attending psychiatrist to provide culturally-appropriate care for his patients. As a fluent Arabic speaker, he has been able to communicate with diverse patients. Says Inpatient Psychiatry Director Chris AhnAllen, PhD: "For his Muslim patients, he has purchased with his own money very special prayer rugs that he has delivered to his patients with care. His attentiveness to the culture of his patients is wonderful and our hospital community is better for it.

Hospital Ambassador Gissel Pichardo, who was honored for her professionalism and cheerful personality when welcoming patients into the building, even in less than ideal settings. "Every morning I see her meet and greet everyone with a big smile and polite conversation, and today was no different," says Case Manager Dalles Smith. "It was 10 degrees outside today and even colder inside the 3rd floor employee entrance and there was Gissel, cold as it was in front of that door there she was doing what she does best - big smile and pleasant greeting!"

Do you know a BWFH employee who has gone above and beyond to demonstrate BWFH’s I CARE Standards? To nominate a fellow colleague for an I CARE Award, please visit our intranet, BWFHconnect. A team of colleagues will personally recognize the employee by presenting them with balloons, a thank you card and a gift certificate redeemable in the cafeteria or Atrium Cafe.