SPECIAL EDITION JANUARY 2021
Just one
Word
Fort Belvoir Community Hospital Command Director Navy Captain Cynthia Judy Chief of Staff Navy Captain Saira Aslam Command Senior Enlisted Leader Command Sergeant Major Kristy Cortner
• Mission • Committed to outstanding patient experience through safe, quality, compassionate care for all we serve.
• Vision • The premier Community Health System, leading the nation in innovative healthcare and well-being.
• Values • Member and Partners Organizational and Personal Learning Patient and Family-Centered Excellence Valuing Workforce Engaged Leadership Stewardship
The Shift Report Staff Editor in Chief:
Stephanie Grooms Reese Brown
Editor/Photography: Visual Information: Announcements:
Stephanie Grooms and Tobias Morelli LaTonya Jackson
“We Lead ... One Team!” The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Fort Belvoir Community Hospital, the Defense Health Agency, Department of Defense, or U.S. Government. Discussion of any commercial products within this publication does not create nor imply any Federal/DoD endorsement. Unless otherwise indicated (and except for “by permission” and copyright items), materials may be reprinted provided credit is given to photographer and the author.
A Message from the Director I believe that the people of Fort Belvoir Community Hospital represent the very best our nation has to offer. You have had difficult and sincere conversations about equality and civility over the past year and demonstrate a commitment to mutual respect and peaceful resolution of differences. Individually and collectively, you are striving to make Dr. King’s dream a reality. In these times of challenge and moments of despair, his words provide hope and optimism.
“And so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.” “With this faith, we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith, we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood.” I ask that you take a moment to reflect on Dr. King’s words and contributions (over the holiday weekend). Regardless of the uniform you wear – military or civilian – I’m honored and humbled to be a part of your “symphony of brotherhood.”
CYNTHIA L. JUDY Captain, Nurse Corps United States Navy Director, Fort Belvoir Community Hospital
Just one
Word
At the end of each year across the entire Military Health System we reflect on “A Year in Military Health.� However, it goes without saying that 2020 was a year like no other. In this edition we asked our staff to sum up 2020, based on their own experiences, by using only a single word. After a year of uncertainties, they took a few moments to share how 2020 has impacted their lives. Take a moment to read their words and reflect on your own experiences from this past year. You may find that we are more alike than we are different.
ADAPTABLE “By its origin means being able to respond to the demands and changes of the current moment. COVID-19 has forced us to become “adaptable” to many situations whether it be how we deliver safe, quality care, how we communicate with friends and family, to becoming the wearer of “multiple hats” We are not only nurses, but now school teachers, care- givers to family, daycare providers, and IT specialists! Friends and family look to us for information and ask our advice on everything involving COVID-19. We don’t always have the answers, but we jump into the role of trusted advisor, confidant, and friend. Every day presented a change or challenge and our nurses on 6 North and 6 South have consistently delivered with superior “Adaptability”! Lt. Cmdr. Chad Smith Chief Nurse/Office-in-Charge, Nursing 6 North/6 South
Thankful “Excited to expand our family with a new baby expected to be born the beginning of 2021.” Tina Underhill Nurse, 6 South
BIRTH “I had my first baby in March of this year. The nationwide lockdown began on the day of our hospital discharge. We’ve enjoyed every moment with our daughter, and she has loved the only world she knows. Until the pandemic is over, we’ll continue to enjoy spending time with and entertaining her as best we can, indoors, happy, and safe” Dr. Christine Darby Clinical Pharmacist, Pharmacy/Internal Medicine
SONDER “Sonder is the realization that everyone you meet, or even a passerby, has their own complex life and story much like your own; challenges, accomplishments, joys, heartaches, routines, families. 2020 has afforded me the feeling of sonder and with that the ability to practice greater empathy.” Heather Turner Deputy Chief, Clinical Staff Services
AGAPE “The Greek word for the highest form of love. Conquering the multifaceted challenges of 2020 and reaching for the audacity of hope going into 2021 can only be experienced when we are a community practicing agape in action each and every day. It is through agape that we practice a true form of resiliency.” Lt. Col. League-Pascual Officer-in-Charge, Pediatrics
BLESSED “I am blessed because my family and I are alive and well despite of the predicaments of this year. I was able to get a job in the middle of this pandemic and my husband maintained his job. I am blessed that we never ran out of food. Praise be to God! May he continue to bless us all so that we can get back to a normal life.” Joenet Muconjay Smith Medical Assistant, Women’s Health Clinic
shining “Leadership and Staff, at the right time and in the right place, when the moment called you answered again and again, not overcome by obstacles; rather you saw the possibilities and got the job done. With little notice, the spotlight could have been on any group. Without blinking an eye and with selfless sacrifice, professionalism and outside of the box creative thinking and actions pharmacy, a COVID clinic, medical services, surgical services, nursing, DiLorenzo, Fairfax and Dumfries, the lab, education and training, behavioral health, outpatient clinics and services, administrators, door greeters, IT/IM, civilians and military throughout the organization, STRATCOM, PAO, housekeeping, generous donors, the Red Cross, area restaurants and so many others. We had folks stepping up to cross-train and work wherever they were needed. All the while, other aspects of people’s lives needed attention to include their family, friends and self-care. Answering phones at all hours and solving issues from home or in the brick and mortar and through virtual meetings we organized. Synched while caring for one another along with our heroes and their families.” Cmdr. Barry Metzger Chief of Pastoral Care, Pastoral Care Department
marathon “Like running a marathon, the year has been long and tested all our endurance. But running it together eases that burden and motivates us to push further. Afterwards I think will be proud of our work and hey someone might even get a medal.” Patrick Stolz Clinical Pharmacist, Pharmacy/Behavioral Health
Prosperous “This was a prosperous time in an un-prosperous time. I was able to do some self-reflecting and figure out what I am passionate about during our downtimes. Although there have been many trials and tribulations, there was a blessing in the lesson; and for that, I am grateful that I could slow down a bit and get to know myself and my daughter.” Petty Officer 2nd Class Sholonda Boynes Substance Abuse Counselor/LPO, Addictions Clinic
Perseverance “Going forward with our mission was perilous, flinching back was cowardice, remaining still was suicidal, but yet we managed to eschew peddling of fear and persevere!” Petty Officer 1st Class Issac Kimble Advanced Medical Laboratory Technician, Pathology
Empathy “In the history of Service, I don’t believe we have needed to demonstrate our learning and use of empathy more than this year.” Lt. Col. Kaitlyn Perkins Battalion Commander, Troop Command FBCH
resilience “Our team has made adjustments to continue to provide safe, efficient, and excellent care to our patients. Ever tried wearing a mask with glasses? We’re here to help decrease your dependence on glasses and contact lenses!” Denise Ryan Research Deputy Director, Warfighter Refractive Eye Surgery Program and Research Center/ Ophthalmology
Competitor “This year has been a challenge and I felt that every time I turned there it was, a challenge; a competition against time, a challenge against my strength, my health, the staff, my finances, my church family, my work. Yet at the end of the day, it strengthened me, it strengthened my faith, my health, refocus my finances, built a stronger team and we learned that church is not confined to a building. We are the church. We are the team. 2020, helped us think outside the box. I am stronger with my faith in God, to overcome anything else coming in the rest of 2020.” Cynthia Davis Chief Case Management, Directorate for Healthcare Operations
Adapt “The reason I have chosen this word is that life is always changing. I believe that 2020 has been the perfect example of this. The way we now have to carry on with the tasks in our everyday life has totally changed whether it is with patient interaction, patient care, or with our Families. Putting yourself in other peoples shoes and looking at it from their prospective can help make the changes easier. Adapt and Overcome. How we handle it helps define who we are. If we all treat people like we want to be treated in the New Year, We can make a bigger impact.” Anngela Cavanaugh EFMP Technician, Exceptional Family Member Program
Standing “We have been standing for Justice for all. We have been standing for the homeless and unemployed workers. We have been standing for voters rights. We have been standing for the relief of the Frontliners. We have been standing for our Health. We have been standing for some type of normal. We have been standing to fight for America We have been standing and fighting for healing on our land. We will continue to stand and pray for what battles we face next. Goodbye 2020!” Gay Harris Clinical Workflow/Business Process Analyst, IM/IT
Staggering “The horrific statistics of Covid-19 cases and deaths are STAGGERING. The global connectivity and disruption is STAGGERING. The impact to all Americans - regardless of location, socio-economic class, race/ethnicity, gender, religion, etc. is STAGGERING. The feeling of our lives on pause as we must change the way we do the most basic tasks such as going to the grocery store is STAGGERING. But also STAGGERING on a positive note… The kindness of strangers – senior citizens sewing masks, children hosting fundraisers, food donations – is STAGGERING. Teachers braving the classrooms and/or teaching online while caring for their own children at home is STAGGERING. We have never seen so many medical advancements in such a short time as in the past 9 months – monoclonal antibody therapies, convalescent plasma, and now two vaccines…STAGGERING. And the perseverance and tenacity of our front-line healthcare workers is STAGGERING. I am honored to support such a dedicated team.” Col. Claudia Henemyer Director for Education, Dept. of Education, Training & Research
Website: tricare.mil/mtf/belvoirhospital Facebook: facebook.com/belvoirhospital Twitter: @belvoirhospital
9300 DeWitt Loop Fort Belvoir, VA 22060 Information: (571) 231-FBCH (3224) TTY: (571) 231-1799 Appointments: (855) 227-6331
fierce “I chose the word “fierce” because I believe we as a people will come out of 2020 better prepared to handle dangerous situations, and with the confidence that the human race is stronger than we thought. I remember at the beginning of the year when it seemed as if everyone, myself included, was afraid and panicking about what was happening to the world. Although our race against this disease is not complete, and there are many different views the pandemic, I believe humanity has faced death in an unexpectedly real way. This brush with death caused many of us to contemplate life and the things that are truly important. It reminds us that tomorrow is not guaranteed and that we shouldn’t wait, but take action on things that matter. This respect for life and our loved ones give us the courage to fight. I know many of us are divided politically and don’t always agree, however we can agree that amid shutdowns, amid quarantines, amid panic and fear we didn’t give up. Front line workers kept communities working, hospitals remained open, we made advancements in science and technology, and we created a vaccine to end this chapter of history. We will NOT be beaten by a virus. The human spirit is alive and strong, and even though we are faced with many threats, I am reaffirmed that when humanity is in danger there will always be heroes ready and willing to pick up the flag and keep marching forward.” Eric Marqueling Engineer, Facilities
Revealing “On the door from the STRATCOM offices there is a quote “Crisis does not build character, it reveals it”. Like many quotes, the original author is not entirely certain, but some sources attribute it to writer James Lane Allen. Regardless of who coined the phrase, most would agree that 2020 had it’s share of adversity and from the beginning of the pandemic when FBCH all but halted outpatient appointments and procedures to the gradual resumption of telemedicine care and the current hybrid model that we have, the character of our staff was revealed and it has been awe-inspiring to see the dedication and hard work at all levels. Staff from across the facility came to help as we created a first-ever COVID clinic, nursing staff were re-trained to work in units they were never expecting to work in, physicians had to triage the types of procedures they were willing to perform to determine whether it was safer to deliver or defer care, and support staff had to manage the rapidly changing policies and processes. To every one of the staff who managed the anxiety of contracting a disease and who decided to selflessly work for the good of our beneficiary population, a hearty thank you. Your character has truly been revealed.” Lt. Col. Scott Williams Director, Medical Services
Unrelenting “I chose this word because of the amount of resiliency the Pathology team has shown since the start of the pandemic and the vital role clinical laborator y professionals play in diagnosis and prevention of disease. Laborator y professionals are the unsung, unseen heroes in the effort against the coronavirus, making sure that all of the testing equipment is functioning, supplies are adequate, and most importantly, providing accurate results so that patients are receiving the appropriate diagnosis and treatment in an efficient manner. Living in the shadows of healthcare and through sicknesses, injuries, marriages, vacations, retirements, pregnancy announcements, and COVID-19 processing and testing… the Pathology has laughed together, cried together, prayed for each other and broke bread in those moments when we’re not able to take a break. We are scientists. We are family!“ Felicia Sharp Medcial Laborator y Technician, Pathology
Crazy “So many things happened in 2020. Covid-19 still a major factor in everyday life. Trying to keep track of and follow CDC guidelines, and the loss of so many people in 2020, including a lot of celebrities.” Ida Rankin Medical Support Assistant, Family Medicine
transformative “COVID has completely altered the way I interact with people and forced me to look at my own humanity in relation to other, to accept my responsibility to behave as a moral, ethical and spiritual person. This has carried over to my profession of Pharmacy, which has always been a profession steeped around customer service and interaction, COVID has forced us to rethink how this interaction takes place. My challenge, OUR challenge, is to maintain the human aspect of trust and confidence that has been a hallmark of the pharmacy profession, but from a 6-foot distance. The pressure created has led to rapid and transformative change in the MHS, which will only make all of us stronger. Stay resilient and compassionate!” Lt. Cmdr. Schmidt Chief of Pharmacy, Pharmacy
EFFort “I choose this word to recognize and honor all the people who tried so hard to make things better this year.” Website: tricare.mil/mtf/belvoirhospital Facebook: facebook.com/belvoirhospital Twitter: @belvoirhospital
9300 DeWitt Loop Fort Belvoir, VA 22060 Information: (571) 231-FBCH (3224) TTY: (571) 231-1799 Appointments: (855) 227-6331
Gioia Chilton Creative Art Therapist, Intrepid Spirit Center
Website: tricare.mil/mtf/belvoirhospital Facebook: facebook.com/belvoirhospital Twitter: @belvoirhospital
9300 DeWitt Loop Fort Belvoir, VA 22060 Information: (571) 231-FBCH (3224) TTY: (571) 231-1799 Appointments: (855) 227-6331
Appreciate “For me this year during this pandemic has shown me to appreciate my family, health, and the little things that we have in life and with our busy schedules we are not able to appreciate or have time to notice. I am so grateful for been able to spend time with my family, have the time to stay still and reflect on myself and learn how to strength my spirituality.” Irma Odoms Registered Nurse, Intensive Outpatient Program Clinic
BLUR “This year happened with so fast with adjustments being made in many ways in which we have had to adapt. The biggest part during this pandemic has been having compassion. Compassion for loved ones who were asked to be left alone in hospitals. Thank you for the staff for making Facetime and ways to see family members a big part of the treatment. Thank you for posting pictures of yourselves so the Patient can see who you are without the mask. No one ever wants to be in a hospital alone especially when they are elderly and vulnerable. Keep the compassion amongst the blur of this year!!” Monica Mikhail Cytotechnician, Pathology
Resiliency “Like so many in healthcare, the pandemic has challenged each of us and our system, but we have responded by answering that call. We have, and continue to, overcome so much in an unprecedented time. We will continue to stand the watch, and deliver on our promise to keep our brothers and sisters in arms able to fight another day. We exemplify Honor, Courage and Commitment.” Cmdr. Lucas Mueller Physician/Deputy ECOMS, OB/GYN
grateful “I am grateful because I have the gift of life, my family relationships have grown, I am employed, my basic needs were met, I have been given time to reset and reflect, I am evolving and being more intentional about life, there have been rapid advancements made in medicine to help save lives, there were many life lessons that we learned this year, and last but not least, I had the opportunity to choose love over all else when faced with difficult and challenging circumstances.”
Website: tricare.mil/mtf/belvoirhospital Facebook: facebook.com/belvoirhospital Twitter: @belvoirhospital
Jamesetta Goggins DeWitt Loop Deputy9300 Director, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060Nursing Information: (571) 231-FBCH (3224) TTY: (571) 231-1799 Appointments: (855) 227-6331
Website: tricare.mil/mtf/belvoirhospital Facebook: facebook.com/belvoirhospital Twitter: @belvoirhospital
9300 DeWitt Loop Fort Belvoir, VA 22060 Information: (571) 231-FBCH (3224) TTY: (571) 231-1799 Appointments: (855) 227-6331
Vacillating “The year started on a high note with the anticipated May graduation of my youngest daughter and her being cast in her first professional dance production. The down-turns came only a couple weeks into the production, as COVID-19 response guidelines were implemented, prompting its early cessation. Similarly, her university offered a disappointing, virtual commencement, in lieu of live. Despite the setbacks, she was able to secure a job in her chosen field as well as an internship. My oldest daughter, who settled into her new position and apartment in NYC prior to COVID-19, successfully navigated this unusually challenging time without any setbacks, financial or otherwise. As a parent, knowing my daughters have been properly prepared for the most difficult of life-situations, gives me a sense of pride. #GirlDad” Alex Hamilton Project Manager, IM/IT
RESILIENCE “With everything we’ve been through, we are still standing and keep fighting this war; and we will continue to do so until we win.” Lt. Cmdr. Gary Galicinao Chief Nurse/Office-in-Charge, Intensive Care Unit
Triumphant “2019 was a terrible year for me, so I was so ready to move on to 2020 no matter WHAT kind of challenges it was to bring. The year started out with many people saying it was going to be one of “clear vision.” And then of course, COVID-19 happened and along came all these weird and difficult challenges to all of us. However, I found it was a time to slow down, to be rid of distractions, to make myself work through some of the issues still hanging around from 2019 and the new challenges of finding a semblance of “normal” during a global pandemic. And I did. I have been reminded of what is important—relationships and people, and finding clever and safe ways to connect. I am thankful for modern technology that allowed my program to continue providing clinically sound care to our beneficiaries. 2020 did NOT conquer me. I am walking into 2021 triumphantly!” Danielle Bega-Silva Clinical Supervisor, Family Advocacy Program
Website: tricare.mil/mtf/belvoirhospital Facebook: facebook.com/belvoirhospital Twitter: @belvoirhospital
9300 DeWitt Loop Fort Belvoir, VA 22060 Information: (571) 231-FBCH (3224) TTY: (571) 231-1799 Appointments: (855) 227-6331
Faith “Faith is my word because I had to exercise my faith when beginning this job. I started my position right smack in the beginning of COVID! I was working a part-time job and had been praying for full-time employment, because it was what I needed. I had applied to many positions and had been unsuccessful. COVID hit and I received an offer from FBCH Medical Library. I was anxious. I spoke with God and said, “Okay God, I always knew that you had jokes, -no hits, no offers and no jobs and now a job in a hospital-no less and right smack in the midst of COVID-19.” “Well, I will trust you Lord, and walk by faith to this new job – because if you brought me here, I believe that you will keep me safe!” And that is what I’ve done! Since April 2020, I have come to FBCH each day (no teleworking) and I continue to have faith. There have been some friends and loved ones effected by this pandemic. I am saddened, even having a great deal of anxiety because of it, however My FAITH is strong. I also have faith that this too like all other storms shall pass…” Vergie Paul Medical Librarian, DETR/GME/Medical Library
endure
[en-dure] verb: To withstand with courage.
Website: tricare.mil/mtf/belvoirhospital Facebook: facebook.com/belvoirhospital Twitter: @belvoirhospital
9300 DeWitt Loop Fort Belvoir, VA 22060 Information: (571) 231-FBCH (3224) TTY: (571) 231-1799 Appointments: (855) 227-6331