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Re-envisioning oncology care
ASCENSION’S NEW VISION FOR THE ONCOLOGY SERVICE LINE BEGINS BY ALIGNING WITH THE LATEST NATIONAL SCREENING GUIDANCE TO PROVIDE FIRST-CLASS CANCER CARE
Ascension’s Oncology Service Line, led by Thomas Aloia, MD, Vice President, National Oncology Director, Ascension, is advancing a vision to provide the highest value to all patients through a best-in-class and multidisciplinary cancer program. This vision is backed by three tenets that also align with the recently developed Ascension Strategic Plan: • Data: Analyze and collect data System-wide to improve patient value. • Care coordination: Work in harmony across the care continuum to optimize patient experience. • Research: Align and contribute to the latest cancer research and recommendations.
Through this comprehensive approach, the Oncology Service Line aims to provide the highest value to patients with an emphasis on functional recovery, with Ascension sites becoming the best place to give and receive cancer care.
As part of this vision, Ascension is committed to aligning with the latest national guidance for screenings and treatment to deliver compassionate, personalized care. In the spring, Ascension updated its screening recommendations for two of the most commonly diagnosed cancers — colorectal and lung. Each year, the U.S. has more than 147,000 new cases of colon/rectal cancer and nearly 229,000 new cases of lung cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute. Early detection of both of these cancers is key to preventing further spread and increasing survival rates.
times.” — THOMAS ALOIA, MD, VICE PRESIDENT, NATIONAL ONCOLOGY DIRECTOR, ASCENSION
Dr. Thomas Aloia
“Preventive care such as screenings is critical in detecting cancer in its earliest stages,” Dr. Aloia said. “By engaging in early discussions around screenings with our patients, we have the opportunity to better identify patients who may be at risk for developing cancer. These important conversations can lead to care plans that can keep our patients healthy now and into the future.”
COLORECTAL CANCER SCREENING RECOMMENDATIONS
For colorectal cancer, the Oncology Service Line Council — made up of experts in primary care, prevention, oncology nursing and other cancer care clinicians — now recommends that patients begin shared decision-making discussions with their doctor about colorectal screenings starting at age 45 and continuing through age 75.
People with a personal and/or family history of colorectal cancer or adenomas, inflammatory bowel disease, or certain genetic syndromes may require earlier or more intensive screening. Other risk factors for colorectal cancer outside of age include being overweight, physical inactivity, diabetes, diets high in red or processed meats, smoking, or heavy alcohol use.
LUNG CANCER SCREENING RECOMMENDATIONS
For current or former smokers age 50 to 80 who smoked 20 pack-years or more and either continue to smoke or have quit within the past 15 years, the Oncology Service Line Council recommends they discuss with their doctor annual lung cancer screening using low-dose CT scans.
For current smokers or former smokers who do not meet the smoking and age criteria but are deemed to be at high risk of developing lung cancer, it is also recommended they begin shared decision-making conversations with their doctor about screening guidance. Additional risk factors such as a family history of lung cancer, race, sex and a personal history of cancer should be considered when counseling about screening.
“As one of the largest health systems in the U.S., we have a tremendous opportunity to enhance oncology care at the population level,” Dr. Aloia said. “By developing innovative care models, collaborating with clinicians across Ascension and keeping in step with our Mission — to provide compassionate, personalized care to all, especially those most in need — we can shape cancer care nationally.”
WITH A PLAN, COMES HOPE
With a wealth of expertise as a physician executive and deep knowledge of oncology and the issues facing the discipline, Dr. Aloia is helping to bring the Oncology Service Line’s vision to life.
“My personal motto is ‘with a plan, comes hope,’” Dr. Aloia said. “This motto aligns with our vision and the work our oncology clinicians do every day. By providing a plan of action that caters to our patients’ needs from screening guidance to treatment protocols, we can deliver compassionate care with a purpose. In turn, this can inspire our patients and their families to have hope during trying times.
“Collaboration will also be key in moving us closer to becoming a first-class cancer care provider,” Dr. Aloia said. “As we look to the future, clinical leaders at the System and market level will need to continue to work together to develop common standards of care while emphasizing functional recovery, which provides physical and cognitive rehabilitation for those who underwent cancer treatment. By working together, we can become more than just our patients’ oncology provider, but their partner in their healthcare journey — before, during and after treatment.”
Prior to joining Ascension in January 2021, Dr. Aloia served as Chief Quality Officer and Head of the Institute of Cancer Care Innovation at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, having served in multiple administrative roles in the areas of patient safety, quality and outcomes.
ALABAMA
Healthcare hero event Ascension St. Vincent’s healthcare heroes joined more than 39,000 caregivers from eight other health systems across greater Birmingham in wearing matching T-shirts to demonstrate their unwavering commitment to their patients and communities throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hospital chosen as business of the year Ascension St. Vincent’s Chilton was selected by the Chilton County Chamber of Commerce as its 2020 Distinguished Business of the Year in recognition of continuous exceptional service to the people of Chilton County and central Alabama.
American Hospital Association honor Ascension St. Vincent’s St. Clair was honored for 50 years of membership in the American Hospital Association (AHA). “The AHA thanks the staff and leadership of the hospital for the care and services they provide each day to their patients and communities,” said AHA Regional Executive Rebecca Jolley.
BALTIMORE
Adopting unified brand The Baltimore Ministry Market began implementing the unified Ascension brand. Work is underway to position the market as Ascension Saint Agnes this summer.
Governor recognizes associates COVID-19 vaccination program leaders Dawn O’Neill, Arif Khazi and Neleen Orsal, APRN, received citations from Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan for their work directing vaccination outreach to the Korean American community.
BINGHAMTON, NEW YORK
Hospital accreditations Lourdes Hospital was recognized by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield with a Blue Distinction® Centers+ designation for Bariatric Surgery, and the Laboratory received the Gold Seal of Approval from The Joint Commission. The Commission on Cancer granted three-year reaccreditation to the cancer program at Lourdes Regional Cancer Center, and the Lourdes Breast Care Center received a three-year accreditation from the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers.
FLORIDA AND GULF COAST
Robotic technology detects cancer Doctors at Ascension St. Vincent’s in Jacksonville, Florida, use robotic-assisted bronchoscopy to detect lung cancer earlier and in hard-to-detect places. The procedure uses minimally invasive technology that improves accuracy and precision; patients also experience less pain and a quicker recovery.
Second freestanding ED Ascension Sacred Heart opened its second freestanding Emergency Department in Navarre, Florida. It features a helipad and a separate waiting area and treatment rooms for children. The facility includes 13 treatment rooms and two trauma rooms staffed by emergency medicine physicians, nurses and respiratory therapists; a lab; a CT scanner; and X-ray imaging. Shockwave device opens arteries Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola in Florida is using a tiny lithotripsy-style device to open hardened, narrowed heart arteries. This shockwave technology uses sonic pressure to break up calcifications that restrict blood flow to the heart.
ILLINOIS
Hospitals recognized for maternity care Seven AMITA Health hospitals in Chicagoland have been recognized by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois with a Blue Distinction® Centers+ for Maternity Care designation as part of the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program.
Helping combat child hunger AMITA Health has partnered with Chicago-based Advocatia Solutions to offer free assistance in accessing federal, state and local programs to help the children of its communities get the food they need, including the Children’s Health Insurance Program; the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children.
Grant provides follow-up care Aetna Better Health of Illinois awarded a two-year, $250,000 grant to AMITA Health to establish a patient navigation
Ascension St. Vincent’s St. Clair is recognized for 50 years of membership in the American Hospital Association.
Ascension Indiana hospitals worked to alleviate childhood hunger. Pictured: Christina Crank, BSN, RN, Administrator/ Chief Nursing Officer, Ascension St. Vincent Jennings; Dana Muntz, BSN, RN, Vice President, Rural Healthcare, Ascension St. Vincent; and Joni Muchler, Nutrition Director, West Washington School Corporation.
program to address health-related social needs of patients with substance-use disorders after they receive inpatient or emergency care at AMITA Health Saints Mary and Elizabeth Medical Center Chicago. Navigators will help patients stick to their recovery plans by assisting with barriers such as housing instability, food insecurity or lack of transportation.
INDIANA
First IVL procedure completed The first intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) procedure in the state was completed at the Ascension St. Vincent Heart Center. This relatively new procedure transforms standard balloon technology into a calcium-disruption tool while minimizing trauma to the coronary artery wall.
Hospitals make ‘World’s Best’ list Three Ascension St. Vincent hospitals were named as 2021 World’s Best Hospitals by Newsweek and Statista, Inc. Ascension St. Vincent Heart Center was one of five U.S. hospitals specializing in cardiology and the only specialty hospital in Indiana to make the list. Ascension St. Vincent Carmel and Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis were also listed for infection prevention measures. Bariatric Center recognized The Ascension St. Vincent Bariatric Center was recognized by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield with a Blue Distinction® Centers for Bariatric Surgery designation as part of the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program.
Perinatal Level II designation Ascension St. Vincent Fishers received both obstetric and neonatal Level of Care II designation from the state Department of Health, which denotes it is equipped to provide care for appropriate high-risk maternal patients and special care to infants who are moderately ill with problems expected to resolve rapidly.
Hospitals work to alleviate child hunger To address food insecurity, Ascension St. Vincent collaborated with No Kid Hungry on a three-year school breakfast program. Ascension St. Vincent Evansville and the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation worked together, through a grant, to buy new breakfast carts, which were placed in high-traffic areas for students to access grab-and-go breakfast items as they arrive at school. Ascension St. Vincent Salem supported the West Washington School Corporation, buying coolers to store food and facilitate its transport to classrooms. These programs reduced barriers and created environments where all students were able to easily access a healthy breakfast.
Associates volunteer at food bank Ascension Medical Group St. Vincent associates volunteered at Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana in Indianapolis, assembling and loading boxes of food into the vehicles of more than 2,000 individuals in need. The associates have a long history of volunteering at local food banks in Marion County. During 2019 and 2020, they contributed a total of 415 service hours to various food banks.
KANSAS
Mental health awareness Ascension Via Christi launched a mental health and suicide prevention campaign with the help of a $100,000 Kohl’s Cares grant. It includes partnering with Wichita State University to make its Suspenders4Hope online suicide awareness and prevention program available at no cost to the community; producing “Cause for Hope,” a public television series featuring Ascension Via Christi child and adolescent psychiatrist Larry Mitnaul, MD; and sponsoring “Mental Wellness Moment” spots featuring community leaders and influencers offering messages of hope and support on the local CBS affiliate.
Sterile Processing leaders earn award Robbi Pierce-Sawyers and Richard Kavanaugh, who lead the Sterile Processing department at Ascension Via Christi St. Francis in Wichita, earned Gold Crown Certification by the International Association of Healthcare Service Central Material Management, the organization’s highest level of training and certification.
Pediatric therapy gym opens Ascension Via Christi in Manhattan opened a new pediatric therapy gym. The
gym features a suspended swing, a sensory experience room, interactive video game rehab, private therapy rooms and a weight-supported walking system.
MICHIGAN
Holistic birth suite opens Ascension Borgess Holistic Birthing Suite in Kalamazoo now offers an option for women who desire minimal medical intervention in their labor and birth and have a low-risk pregnancy.
Cancer center opening The Ascension Medical Group Borgess Cancer Center in Kalamazoo is on track to open in September 2021.
Advanced radio frequency technology The GI Interventional Program at Ascension St. John Hospital in Detroit acquired a radio frequency generator system to treat benign tumors, advanced cancers and tissue in the gastrointestinal tract.
Cardiac service expands Ascension Providence Rochester Hospital opened a state-of-the-art catheterization lab and an expanded congestive heart failure clinic.
Surgery broadcast live Nishit Choksi, MD, broadcast a surgery from Ascension Providence Rochester Hospital treating a patient’s severely calcified coronary lesions. The case helped train physicians across the U.S., as well as France, Spain, Germany and the Netherlands.
Best maternity hospitals Ascension Borgess Hospital and Ascension River District Hospital made Newsweek’s list of Best Maternity Hospitals 2021.
Cancer program earns accreditation The cancer program at Ascension Genesys Hospital in Grand Blanc achieved three-year accreditation from the Commission on Cancer as an Academic Comprehensive Cancer Program from the American College of Surgeons.
Associates create wig room Cancer patients can help their self-esteem during treatments at Ascension St. Mary’s Hospital Health Center at Towne Centre thanks to a wig room created and funded by associates.
Associates honored with award The Ascension St. Joseph Foundation’s 2021 Spirit of St. Joseph Award honors associates and clinicians who gave compassionate care to patients and families during the pandemic. “The Ascension St. Joseph team stepped up time and time again,” said Shane Hunt, Administrator, Ascension St. Joseph Hospital.
Top 100 honor Ascension St. Joseph Hospital was named one of the Top 100 Rural & Community Hospitals in the U.S. by The Chartis Center for Rural Health. The hospital has been named to the list for six consecutive years.
Hospitals receive excellence awards Professional Research Consultants recognized Ascension Standish Hospital with two 5-Star awards for Overall Hospital Care in the inpatient and acute care units and Ascension St. Joseph Hospital with a 4-Star award for Overall Quality of Care in the Emergency Department.
OKLAHOMA
Hospital named top 100 Ascension St. John Jane Phillips was named one of the Top 100 Rural & Community Hospitals in the U.S. This is the fourth consecutive year it has received the designation and it’s one of only two Oklahoma hospitals on the 2021 list.
Best maternity hospital listing Ascension St. John Owasso was recognized by The Leapfrog Group as one of the organization’s best maternity hospitals in 2021. The hospital meets Leapfrog’s standards for safety and quality in maternity care, including low rates of early elective deliveries, Caesarean sections and more.
Cardiologist named to 40 under 40 list Ascension St. John cardiologist Heather Cha, MD, FACC, was selected for Oklahoma Magazine’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2021. The annual selection honors young professionals who go beyond their regular work to improve their communities.
The Ascension St. Joseph Foundation honors associates and clinicians with the 2021 Spirit of St. Joseph Award.
Dr. Heather Cha, a cardiologist at Ascension St. John, was named to Oklahoma Magazine’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2021.
TENNESSEE
Hospitals welcome president Shubhada Jagasia, MD, MMHC, joined Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital (Midtown and West) as President. Dr. Jagasia most recently served at Vanderbilt University Medical Center as the Chief of Staff for Adult Hospital and Ambulatory Clinics. Prior to that role, she was Medical Director of the Eskind Diabetes Clinic and then the Vice Chair of Clinical Affairs for the Department of Medicine at Vanderbilt.
Partnership helps vaccine accessibility Ascension Saint Thomas worked with Nashville’s Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency to provide the COVID-19 vaccine through its Mobile Health Unit. The bus made stops at public housing complexes so eligible residents could receive the vaccine.
Behavioral Health Hospital opens Ascension Saint Thomas Behavioral Health Hospital opened in March and provides inpatient care for adults 18 and older. Clinical programs help patients achieve a level of stabilization that empowers them to return home or step down to a lower level of care.
Advance addresses chest pain Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital West began offering intracoronary brachytherapy, a procedure that helps reduce chest pain in patients with stents that have re-narrowed and reduces the chance of them narrowing again in the future.
TEXAS
Five-time excellence award Ascension Seton Highland Lakes received its fifth designation as a Pathway to Excellence® organization from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. It earned redesignation and was given an outstanding score related to accessibility of nurse managers to direct care staff and nurse managers who advocate for patients.
Acute care unit receives Beacon award Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin 4 North Pulmonary/Renal Unit was awarded Beacon silver level recognition for excellence in patient care. The Beacon award for excellence from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses recognizes caregivers in stellar units whose consistent and systematic approach to evidence-based care optimizes patient outcomes.
Quality award for recovery model Dell Children’s Medical Center in Austin received the Texas Hospital Association Bill Aston Award for quality for development of a swift recovery pathway for idiopathic scoliosis spinal fusions. A multidisciplinary team of nurses, orthopedic spine surgeons, anesthesiologists, physician assistants and other stakeholders developed the model, which has decreased lengths of stay, decreased intravenous opioid use and increased patient satisfaction. Hospital marks 35 years of transplants Ascension Seton celebrated the 35th anniversary of its heart transplant program. Ascension Seton’s Specialty Care and Transplant Center is the only heart transplant center in Austin; more than 460 patients have received heart transplants since its inception.
Advanced treatment to prevent stroke Ascension Providence in Waco is using a procedure called transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR). TCAR is a clinically proven and minimally invasive approach for high-surgical-risk patients who need carotid artery treatment.
Stroke center receives certification Ascension Seton Williamson received certification from DNV GL Healthcare as a Primary Plus Stroke Center, affirming the hospital’s readiness to care for a range of stroke-related medical conditions.
Vaccines for homeless Ascension Providence worked with Mission Waco to provide COVID-19 vaccines to its clients and front-line workers. Mission Waco serves individuals and families experiencing poverty and homelessness. It identified clients eligible for the vaccines and provided transportation to the Ascension Providence vaccination clinic and vaccine education.
WISCONSIN
Small-scale hospitals opening soon Ascension Wisconsin’s small-scale hospitals in Waukesha, Menomonee Falls and Greenfield are on track to open this year. The hospitals encompass approximately 32,000 square feet each and will provide emergency services and inpatient beds.
Stroke center certification Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital Milwaukee has been certified by The Joint Commission as a Comprehensive
Stroke Center, affirming its excellence in the care of stroke patients.
Meeting needs of high-risk moms Since launching the Ascension Maternal Health Initiative in 2019, the team at Ascension SE Wisconsin Hospital - St. Joseph Campus has been connecting pregnant women and new mothers with social services and care they need to support good health outcomes for themselves and their babies. The effort now includes the Maternal Food Access Program, which includes food insecurity boxes for highrisk pregnant and postpartum women, and condition-specific food boxes, with food, recipes and education.
ASCENSION GLOBAL MISSION
Global Solidarity Fund effort Ascension Global Mission is a founding member of the Global Solidarity Fund (GSF). On Dec. 3, 2020, GSF hosted a virtual fundraising event to support its work with women religious, the Vatican COVID-19 Commission, and job-creation efforts for migrants in Ethiopia. The fundraising goal is to raise $100 million over the next three years. As of April 2021, over $46 million had been pledged with approximately $9 million received for work with migrants and refugees in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and with the International Union of Superiors General to support and elevate the work of Sisters throughout the world. Sr. Kathy Brazda, CSJ, President of the Congregation of St. Joseph and Chair of the Ascension Global Mission Board, serves on the GSF Advisory Board alongside four members of the Roman Curia and executive leadership from Unilever, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, GHR Foundation, Helmsley Charitable Trust, Hilton Foundation, Raskob Foundation, and Porticus Foundation. Visit globalsolidarityfund.org for more info.
ASCENSION INSURANCE
‘Ascension Personalized Care’ ACA product launching Ascension Insurance is launching a new health insurance marketplace product in the fall that aligns with our Mission of serving those who are poor and vulnerable. Ascension Personalized Care will start in Kansas, Indiana and Michigan and provide balanced coverage so members will get the care and resources that are right for them through a variety of health plan options. Members will be provided a differentiated patient experience with access to a new, high-touch member concierge model.
ASCENSION INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT
Chief Investment Officer honored David Erickson, Ascension Chief Investment Officer, was named by Trusted Insight as one of the top 30 health system chief investment officers for 2021. The organization also highlighted his investment work in its publication.
ASCENSION LIVING
Chief Medical Officer welcomed Rafael Bloise, MD, MA, MBA, joined Ascension as the Chief Medical Officer of Senior Care. Dr. Bloise is responsible for the clinical direction and strategy across Ascension Living and championing the implementation of a System-wide palliative care strategy in partnership with each Ascension acute care market.
New brand in Illinois, Indiana Following a successful launch in other markets, Ascension Living communities in Illinois and Indiana adopted the unified Ascension brand, naming and logo. Reflecting Ascension’s identity as a Catholic health ministry, legacy community names changed slightly to reflect the new naming architecture and added Ascension Living to connect them to the larger community in a meaningful way. All Ascension Living communities now feature the Ascension Living name.
ASCENSION TECHNOLOGIES
Web-based password reset Ascension Technologies introduced webbased password reset functionality that makes it easy for associates to change or edit their password outside the Ascension firewall. Associates are confirmed using Duo Multifactor Authentication, then can go to IPM.ascension.org or click a link on the Windows lock screen (which appears when you press ctrl+alt+del). Citrix users also have in-app access.
Brooke Murdock receives a COVID-19 vaccination at DePaul Community Health Centers’ New Orleans East location.
ASCENSION VENTURES
New fund and investments Ascension Ventures announced the establishment of its fifth fund with commitments of $285 million from 13 nonprofit health systems. New partners include Luminis, Sentara and Texas Health Resources, which brings total assets under management to over $1 billion. Ascension Ventures has finalized investments in several new companies, including AristaMD, an asynchronous specialist consultation platform. In addition, Ascension Ventures Fund III portfolio company Alignment Healthcare (NASD: ALHC) completed its initial public offering.
CLINICAL & NETWORK SERVICES
Palliative care strategy Ascension has adopted a multiyear strategy for building primary palliative care knowledge and skills among clinicians, using technology to help identify and guide care for patients with serious illnesses across the continuum. This includes a website for clinicians to address all aspects of providing primary palliative care and a website for patients explaining the role and importance of advance care planning, a critical communication component between clinicians and patients that facilitates understanding, reflection, and discussion of goals and wishes for future healthcare decisions, including end-of-life care. Ascension also created Allay, a free online tool to guide patients through advance care planning, at allay.ascension.org.
COMMUNITY HEALTH MINISTRIES
Thousands of vaccines administered Ascension’s community health ministries in San Antonio and El Paso, Texas; Dumas and Gould, Arkansas; Kansas City, Missouri; and New Orleans administered COVID-19 vaccines to thousands of vulnerable residents, particularly those living in poverty, students and the elderly. The ministries worked with local schools, churches, government offices, and religious and secular organizations to conduct outreach and to increase convenience and access, including offering mobile vaccine clinics. Many community members expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to be vaccinated.
MEDXCEL
Teams tackle vaccines Medxcel safety teams helped manage an ambitious plan to safely and quickly vaccinate associates against COVID-19. In Texas, teams stretched their creativity to overcome obstacles “on the go,” as the number of vaccines received was more than double the expected volume. As vaccines arrived, teams took a moment to pray and bless vaccines before distribution began.
THE RESOURCE GROUP
Interns welcomed The Resource Group welcomed a new class of college interns in the spring. Last year’s class gave a resounding endorsement of the program, with 100% of participants recommending The Resource Group as a place to work. This solidified The Resource Group program’s reputation as a highly sought-after internship opportunity, which helped recruit 26 bright, diverse and dynamic students for this year. Representing 20 areas of study and 23 universities, these future leaders have the opportunity to make meaningful contributions across Ascension, and some of them may join Ascension as full-time associates in the future.
Learn more about Ascension at ascension.org.
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Michael Howze
It’s been six years since Michael Howze began providing leadership and guidance to associates who serve at the Outpatient Physical Medicine and Wound Center at Ascension St. John Jane Phillips in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. He started at Ascension St. John in a nuclear cardiology technologist lead role in 2002.
Michael is the department manager for the two outpatient centers. The physical medicine center serves children to adults and provides physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech pathology. The wound center, which offers hyperbaric medicine, sees patients with various comorbidities that challenge wound healing.
“My passion is the patient experience and the associate experience and the connection between,” said Michael, who joined 24 associates from across the System as participants in the first class of Ascension’s ASPIRE program in 2017.
“Shadowing various leaders is part of ASPIRE, and I shadowed Dwan Borens, CNO [Chief Nursing Officer] at Ascension St. John Broken Arrow. Floor by floor, unit by unit, he was so engaged with associates, truly showing concern, empathy and care. I was impressed with his skills and have worked to become an even more visible leader, providing resources and being aware and present to the needs of the staff.”
On a day that Michael was rounding with front desk associates, a woman appeared in great pain and barely able to walk. She was searching for the Emergency Department. With COVID-19 restrictions in place, Michael knew it was too far and complicated for the patient to manage alone, so he found a wheelchair and took the woman himself.
“As a manager, I try to make a difference. Little did I know that an associate nominated me for an award,” he said. Michael was among 85 Ascension St. John associates nominated by their peers to receive the “Extra Mile” award for extraordinary pandemic service. Each received a medal from the Medals4Mettle organization.
