For fifteen years, Loretta Anderson has been helping patients who come into the Cardiology Diagnostic Labs. Sometimes they have appointments and sometimes they don't and are unclear about whether they have come to the right place for help. Loretta prides herself on being able to provide support to all patients. Loretta says that, As long as I can sit with a patient, I can usually help direct them to the services they need, regardless of their language skills or the documentation they provide. And if they need some special attention, like watching their companion dog or sitting with their kids while they are in their appointment, then Loretta is happy to help.
As one of her co-workers notes, Loretta is wonderful with all types of patients. She goes out of her way to help the patient with other hospital problems, such as appointments or locations. Sometimes patients come in upset and emotionally unstable and she can calm the patient and make the whole process run smoothly.
Loretta described the most fulfilling part of her job as the hope that their appointments will help and improve the lives of the patients. Clearly those patients who come back with updates and sometimes small gifts, as well as those who approach Loretta to offer thanks when she is out and about in the community during her off hours, all agree that she does make a difference. One co-worker describes Loretta's job as an art no one else can do.
In January, it will be five years that Lisa Roth has been responsible for graphics and desktop publishing at the AIDS Health Project. Lisa, a self-described social activist, describes why coming to work at the UCSF/AHP was life changing for her. For the first time my job was about more than just paying the rent. My personal values were a perfect fit for my work life. Lisa describes the AHP as a place where the well being of the organization, as well as every individual, is put high among the priorities of the AHP leadership. Lisa is proud to be part of an agency that has contributed so much to the world by being a model of HIV care since the very beginning.
Lisa was very clear about how her role as graphics designer contributes to the overall goals of the agency. In this time when funding for AIDS organizations has been cut, successfully publicizing fundraising events and communicating to potential donors is more important than ever. Many of Lisa's co-workers had a lot to say about her contributions. Lisa will do anything for anybody. She is a great problem solver, resourceful, generous and hard working. Another admits, Lisa's job requires a lot of juggling, working with lots of people and bringing a lot of creativity and commitment. Lisa is phenomenal at all of this.
When asked why she thinks she was chosen for this recognition, Lisa mentioned her good sense of humor and ability to develop strong professional and collegial relationships. One of her peers summed it all up, She is eminently devoted to community service, and to doing a good job, and she inspires me to keep at it even when my spirits are low. When I think of a smiling face at AHP, I think of Lisa Roth.
Ed Shimazu proudly shared that he gets the most job satisfaction from knowing that the computer support unit in Pathology provides the department's faculty and staff with good service for most of their problems. A wide range of customers he provides support to agree that Ed's assessment is extremely modest. One nominator stated, He never promises more than he delivers and never does anything in a second rate manner. Ed deserves the UCSF equivalent of the Medal of Honor. Ed's twenty years of service to the department of Pathology does not seem to be taken for granted by his clients and coworkers. Another described his attention to network security as invaluable. His calm, knowledgeable help has allowed me to generate grant applications and manuscripts without interruption. I hope everyone appreciates how much Ed has done behind the scenes to keep our computers working in this really hostile cyber world.
In addition the quality of his support, his nominators have emphasized the impact of Ed's demeanor. He is not only incredibly competent, he also does anything we ask quickly and with a smile. It is a privilege to have him in our department.
Aimee Sznewajs has worked as a Nurse in Pediatric Oncology since August of 2002. And since her graduation from UCSF's MSN program last May, Aimee has moved into a Nurse Practitioner role in Pediatric Oncology that focuses on clinical trials and she's been following patients on Phase 1 and 2 protocols. These young patients and their families are at a difficult and vulnerable time and many arrive from across the country and the world. As Aimee says, we want to make sure we are prepared and they feel that someone is available to them and they are being taken care of by experts. Aimee's impact on her work environment is clearly stated, With regards to her co-workers, the innate positivity and commitment to excellence that Aimee carries with her inspires others to excel in work and in life. When asked about her motivation Aimee replied, We often think we have the answers but learning from the families and children is what's most fulfilling.
Her nominator describes her commitment, It is so rare for somebody to have their whole heart invested in what they do, and it makes all the difference to the other staff, and most importantly to the kids and their families that Aimee treats. Aimee simply says, I try hard every day to do the best job I can.
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