Congratulations to CDI faculty, Brian Schmidt, DPM, and the Diabetes Mental Health Program, led by CDI faculty member, Briana Mezuk, PhD, on being recognized as HOPE Award finalists at this year’s HOPE and JOY Awards!
From Michigan Medicine Headlines:
HOPE AND JOY AND SO MUCH MORE
May 02, 2024
Key takeaways:
- Last week was Patient Experience Week at Michigan Medicine.
- It was highlighted by the Evan Newport HOPE and JOY Awards, recognizing team members who carry out patient- and family-centered care every day.
- Other learning opportunities, tools and resources were shared throughout the week.
Michigan Medicine celebrated Patient Experience Week last week! The highlight of the week was the Evan Newport HOPE and JOY awards ceremony, which recognizes team members who exemplify the principles of patient- and family-centered care and work to improve the patient experience.
The HOPE and JOY Awards were founded by a parent, Scott Newport, who wanted to recognize the care team that cared for son Evan during the first 250 days of his life at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital. For more information about the award, click here. Nominations for the 2025 awards are now open.
“I think one of the hallmarks of U-M Health is patient- and family-centered care,” said David Miller, M.D., M.P.H., president of U-M Health, as he opened the HOPE and JOY Award ceremony. “We're here to support patients and families in some of their most challenging times – and [we’re here] to do that really well. If we, as a team and as a community of caregivers can think about how we identify opportunities for both hope and joy every day, it will continue to make us a better place.”
There were nearly 100 nominees across the various categories for the HOPE and JOY Awards. Thank you to all the nominators who took the time to recognize their colleagues!
Here are the finalists and winners:
Adult - Individual category
Winner: Stacy Brand, peer mentor manager, Transplant Program
Brand is the leader of a nationally recognized peer mentor program in kidney transplant. She has partnered with patients and peer mentors to make the program as strong as it is and has even been partnering with the Office of Patient Experience and Press Ganey to develop new programs.
Finalists
- Bethany Lee Lehner, director of patient education and community outreach at the Frankel Cardiovascular Center
- Jessica Singley, R.N., E.C.T., ketamine therapy
- Brian Schmidt, D.P.M., clinical associate professor, Division of Metabolism Endocrinology & Diabetes
Adult - Team Category
Winner: Critical Care Medicine Unit
The nomination was submitted by John Snyder, a patient’s son, who wanted to share appreciation for the team that cared for his mother. Snyder acknowledged the inclusive communication by the doctors and nurses and the other members who took time to involve his mother in all the conversations and kept her needs at the center of all their decision making.
Finalists
- Weiser Prostate Center
- Diabetes Mental Health Program
- Rogel Cancer Center Pathology Lab
Children’s, Women’s and Psychiatry - Individual Category
Winner: Mary Breaky, parent host, pediatric CNS unit
Breaky is a parent host and has been with the unit for the 7E CNS unit for nine years. Breaky had a son with leukemia and cherished his life and journey. Although about a year ago her son died of an unrelated condition, Breaky continues to care and walk with these patients and families through their journeys. She shares her personal story with them and can say ‘I have walked in your shoes,’ but does so in a humbled and empathetic manner. Breaky has a great way of meeting all patients and families as they come. No matter where they come from, culture, economic status, etc., she will learn what will help support them and lets the team know, too. She is a dedicated member of the care team.
Finalists
- Christina Cwynar, N.P., child and adolescent consult liaison, Department of Psychiatry
- Elham Alomari, Arabic language interpreter, Interpreter Services
- Jamilah Zaban, R.N., Brandon NICU
Children’s, Women’s and Psychiatry – Team Category
Winner: Nyman Family Unit for Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Wellness
The Nyman Inpatient Psychiatry Unit is a 16-bed mental health and wellness unit that offers youth struggling with mental illness or substance use the opportunity to heal in a supportive, welcoming family-centered environment. It is a bastion of hope for youth with complex and acute mental health needs. The unit serves youth with diverse needs including youth with concurrent medical conditions, eating disorders, neurologic conditions, developmental needs, aggressive behaviors and complex psychosocial needs.
Finalists
- Health Equity Consult Service Program managers
- Pediatric Trauma Injury Prevention
- Pediatric Infusion
The JOY Awards are presented to a Patient and Family Advisor who volunteer their time and their experiences to improve the experience for patients and families.
Winner: Colleen Schomaker
Schomaker has been an advisor and peer mentor since 2011. She co-chairs the Congenital Heart Center’s (CHC) Patient and Family Advisory Committee (PFAC), is the lead peer mentor for CHC and the founder of the M-COPE Parent and Caregiver Heart to Heart Support Group.
Nominees
- Anita Devine, Pharm.D.
- Emily Gordan
- Dianne Haas
- Jim Naddeo
The Celeste Castillo Lee Peer Mentor Award is created to honor Celeste’s contributions and career, and will be awarded annually to a volunteer peer mentor at Michigan Medicine.
Winner: Margo Klug
Klug is committed to improving the transplant experience not only for patients and families but also for providers in training. Klug serves as a peer mentor in two programs – kidney transplant and cochlear implant.
Nominees
- Tim Richard
- Sharon Stewart
The ceremony also featured the Unsung Hero Awards, which are given to support staff within the Children and Women’s Hospitals. Luanne Thomas Ewald, chief operating officer of C&W, presented the awards to:
- Kim Brantley, guest services specialist
- Joseph Diequez, unit custodian
- Scott Fisher, patient equipment supervisor
- Nathan Hicks, clinical business analyst
- Amanda Rayl, hospital cook