As Assistant Controller in the School of Medicine's Dean's Office, Karen Allen works diligently and steadfastly with departments who are grappling with the challenges of responding to the many and widely varied requests of external auditors. Karen helps departments respond strategically to audit requests and often serves as an interface, responding patiently to audit teams and ensuring that they understand the University's complex policies and procedures.
As one of her nominators notes, we truly could not have met our goals without her tremendous effort and the focus she maintained. This nominator adds, She was always amazingly patient, good natured and tactful as she guided us with intelligence and understanding.
She guided us with great focus to assure that all relevant information gathered was well organized and clearly presented, says another nominator, and she was always extremely professional and very well prepared as she patiently educated those who required it. Her support for Karen was capped by adding, we all feel incredibly supported and in superbly competent hands when Karen is our partner in this process.
Since 2000, Natalya Khait has been taking her administrative support for Emergency Services very seriously. In order to truly understand the complexities of her work environment, Natalya has attended class on advanced emergency procedures taught to UCSF medical students. To prepare for the department's re-enactment of the emergency resuscitation of a critically injured motorcycle accident for 1st year medical students, Natalya spent many long evening hours in script preparation and providing technical support.
According to her nominator, Natalya almost single-handedly turned around our billing practices. Natalya took it upon herself to return to the clinical area during busy evening and weekend shifts when the largest amount of inadequate charting occurred and provided real time feedback resulting in significant improvement.
Natalya's contributions were summed up in this way by her nominator, Time and again, she has demonstrated that she is willing to go the extra mile to support department activities and spirit.
At the Center for AIDS Prevention Studies since 1988, Jonelle (Joey) Taylor worked her way up the ladder from an interviewer to managing social research projects with HIV-positive patients at SFGH. The research focuses on stress and coping strategies, and Joey explains how many patients need to learn coping skills to deal with the side effects of treatment.
Over her career at UCSF she has tracked the evolution of the epidemic. Now retrovirals make people hopeful that they can manage' HIV with medications, but the side effects can still be very difficult and adversely affect quality-of-life, says Joey. But the work is really interesting and I like it a lot. I get to use administrative skills along with people skills.
Whenever she reveals she works on coping with stress, she is asked for advice, and she is always ready to pass along a few tips. Humor is certainly a part of it. Also, break down the problem into manageable pieces for problem-solving or support, then fit the pieces together.
To judge from the nominations, Joey is a treasured resource at the office. She welcomes queries from CAPS colleagues, and never tires of answering questions and providing helpful suggestions for navigating the research world at CAPS, UCSF, and beyond, says one, concluding, Above her commitment to her work, Joey is passionate about putting an end to AIDS. Her work is not just a job; it is a mission. She never forgets the faces and stories of those who are living with HIV.
At the Positive Health Program since fall 2001, Matthew Trojnar supports the faculty in the Hematology/Oncology clinic at SFGH. He has been lauded by his teammates there for his creative energy and artistic flair, which have been indispensable in implementing innovative health education programs for medically underserved patients.
The most flexible and adaptable AA I've ever worked with, says one nominator. The complete embodiment of teamwork, customer service, and dedication, says another. Says a third: I honestly do not know what our Division would do without his daily input, attention to detail, and overall astounding ability to multitask.
Asked why he thinks he was chosen for this honor, Matt allows because I do different things, and take pride that something that needs to happen will happen. No roadblocks I make it happen. I understand how our system works, and see myself as a facilitator, greasing the wheels of a large bureaucracy for our patients.
In turn, Matt feels strongly supported by the division. It's a team environment, and there is not a huge disparity between the doctors and administrators, he says. And the faculty do great work, not only for their patients but also for the wider community through their research.
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