VC, The Magazine | Issue 34

Employee of the Month: Ashley Gonzalez

Boosting Childhood Immunizations

Page 8

Welcome to the Team!

Page 16

Anita Garcia

Dental Receptionist

Ashley Gonzalez

PAP Coordinator/MA Float Norman

Employee of the Month: Compassion

You were nominated for Compassion because you went out of your way to go the extra mile for a family. What does compassion mean to you?

We do not know what one goes through daily. At times we tend to forget that we are blessed enough to have things that others may never get the opportunity to have, and for that reason we should attempt to be more kind!

How long have you been working at Variety Care?

I have been with Variety Care since March 2019.

What do you hope your teammates learn from you?

I hope my teammates can absorb the professionalism and ambition that I exemplify.

What are some things you love about working for Variety Care?

I love the team I am working with at Norman Family. Even though we have been through drastic turnovers, we have always found a way to welcome all our new employees as family.

What is the most interesting thing about your work at Variety Care?

I truly never know what is to come - every day is different. But I always learn something new, whether it be from the other MAs, providers, or our LPN in clinic.

How does the work you do impact you personally?

I love that I can help our community and feel satisfied within myself by completing the tasks that are needed the most by our patients.

How does it feel to be recognized as Employee of the Month?

It feels like a great accomplishment. I am so thankful to be working here, and I love my job.

What has been the most rewarding part of your job?

I was selected for the Medical Assistant Certification Program when it started. I am one of the few that were nominated within our organization for all the hard work and effort I have put in.

Tell us about your family. I have been married for six years to my husband Joel. We have a beautiful five-year-old daughter named Adeline. She is going to be in kindergarten this fall. Even though we only have one daughter, she keeps us extremely busy! Adeline has been enrolled in a dance studio since she was three years old. It is as if we have a teenager, with all the sass my little girl has!

Describe yourself in 3 words. Caring, helpful, and organized.

ILOVE THAT I CAN HELP OUR COMMUNITY -Ashley

VP of People and Culture

Don Morris

Can you explain your role as Vice President of People and Culture?

The title is a new job at Variety Care. It shows our intention to focus more on the experience of our employees, their engagement, and how to take care of our most valuable asset and what they experience here in the workplace.

Can you expand on the "Culture" portion of your position?

Culture is so important in the workplace. When talking about staff, we should talk about the whole person – not just the work they do and the pay that they make, but who is the whole person?

How do they balance their work and their life and other interests that

An overall culture for Variety Care is a place where people feel included, the ways that we do things are equitable – especially in pay and benefits, and people feel empowered to speak their minds knowing leadership is responsive to making the changes that they share.

Why is it important to focus on Culture within the workplace?

It's important that we are ahead of pay and benefits, and we provide those in a way that competes in the external market in a way that is within our budget and a way that is fair and equitable across the enterprise.

What are some of your responsibilities in this role?

My responsibilities are twofold. One is to work with and oversee the human resources function, but also to serve as a member of the executive team and to be a trusted advisor to them on HR issues.

What are some of your goals?

Enhancing VC Culture A

First, I want to ensure Variety Care is a place people want to work and accomplish their career goals. Next, I want to get pay right and put more policies in place so there is not a lot of confusion about hire rates, promotions, transfers, and those kinds of things. Secondly, I’m working with the DEI group and the Communications Department to make sure those voices are being heard through the organization. Another goal of mine is to work on leadership development, starting with first-line leadership, teaching them how to better talk to employees and work with employees.

How are you hoping to open the line of communication with staff?

As I tour clinics, I try to pull people aside and ask them about their work experience and figure out how we can improve from their perspective. Also, the employee satisfaction survey – I want 100% participation. I want people to understand that if I can’t hear their voice, I can’t share their voice.

Erin Smith

Immunization Manager

Boosting Childhood Immunizations

As we prepare for back-to-school season, Immunization Manager Erin Smith warns of the trending decline in childhood immunizations and how we can improve statistics. She cites a Health Science Reports article that studied immunization rates both during and before the Covid-19 pandemic:

In 26 studies, 21 showed a significant decrease or delay in pediatric vaccination rates during the pandemic. In some, there was up to an 80% decrease in comparison to pre-pandemic data.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/ PMC8855492/#:~:text=From%2026%20eligible%20studies%2C%20 21,changes%20only%20in%20influenza%20vaccination.

Research identifies the four main reasons for this decline as:

• Parental hesitation in well child visits during the pandemic

• Social distancing policies and lockdowns contributing to many healthcare centers shutting down

• Shortage of healthcare providers and disruptions in supply chains

• Lack of clear guidelines and recommendations for non-Covid issues, coupled with PPE shortages making staff reluctant to engage with patients in primary health centers

Smith says that we as health care professionals have an opportunity at every visit to assess, recommend, and give immunizations. “There should never be a health care encounter where immunizations are not discussed, even if it’s to tell the patient they are upto-date or when their next immunization is due,” she emphasizes.

She also points out that studies show the single most important factor when a patient is deciding whether to receive a vaccine is a strong provider recommendation. “Most patients aren’t against immunizations – they just don’t know what they need,” Smith explains. “It’s always best to assess and tell the patient what they are due for today, not ask what they want.”

Although some exemptions may be granted, Oklahoma School Immunization Law outlines the immunization requirements and frequency of administration, as prescribed by the Oklahoma Board of Health:

If all vaccines are given on time, the pediatric vaccine schedule can be completed by 16 years of age. However, the CDC has a schedule to ensure children have the chance to catch up in case of missed immunizations.

Flu shots should be given annually to children six months and older. Covid vaccines can be given to six months and older as well, and as guidelines continue to evolve it may also become an annual vaccine.

For more information on childhood immunizations, e-mail Immunization Manager Erin Smith

Juneteenth

Juneteenth is observed annually on June 19. It commemorates the date that slaves in Galveston, Texas, finally learned of their freedom

This holiday represents how we as a society changed in the right direction. This was a huge forward step in our history for equity, inclusion and acceptance, no matter the skin color.

- Variety Care Staff Member

– two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, one year after the Senate passed the 13th Amendment abolishing slavery, and six months after it was passed by the House. The day highlights “delayed justice” and calls for equity and inclusion.

VARIETY CARE CELEBRATES

PRIDE

to our team

Chris Bell Referral Specialist, PAC

Ruby Anguilar-Henriquez RN- Public Nurse, Admin.

Jessica Corral Custodian, NW 10th Portland

Laci Gil PSR, Yukon

Lizbet Covarrubias PSR, Lafayette

Emelin Gonzales Patient Access Specialist, PAC

Viridiana Hernandez WIC Clerk, Straka

Elizabeth Gonzalez PSR, Putnam

Robiana Jackson Medical Assistant II, Baptist Portland

Adaline Lopez PSR vision, Straka

Lakiesha Jordan PSR, Britton

Maggie Magda Medical Assistant II, Straka

Carly Montgomery Adolescent Health Spec./ Sequoyah

Adriana Mancinas PSR-Urgent Care, Straka

Josue Moran Clinical Svc. Medical Float, Admin.

Daniel, Perez Garcia Patient Access Specialist, PAC

Marycruz Nava Patient Access Specialist, PAC

Zully Kentia Sanchez G. Patient Access Specialist, PAC

Jennifer Vazquez Patient Access Specialist, PAC

Jordan Tillery PSR, Yukon

Ayline Vicencio PSR, Straka

Luzelena Villalon Clinical Service Medical Float, Admin.

MEET OUR NEW Providers Providers

Medical School: Sri Venkateswara Medical College, Tirupati, AP, India

Medical School: Sri Venkateswara Medical College, Tirupati, AP, India

Specialization: Internal Medicine and Primary Care Specialization: Internal Medicine and Primary Care

Kumar Ennamuri, MD is a Board-Certified Internist specializing in internal Kumar Ennamuri, MD is a Board-Certified Internist specializing in internal medicine and primary care. He is a member of the American Medical medicine and primary care. He is a member of the American Medical Association who appreciates the opportunity to make a difference in the Association who appreciates the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of his patients through proper diagnosis and treatment. lives of his patients through proper diagnosis and treatment.

Nursing School: Grand Canyon University Nursing School: Grand Canyon University

Specialization: Psychiatric and Mental Health

Specialization: Psychiatric and Mental Health

Rahil Khalili, APRN-CNP, PMHNP-BC is an experienced and compassionate

Rahil Khalili, APRN-CNP, PMHNP-BC is an experienced and compassionate nurse practitioner specializing in behavioral health. Hospitable and nurse practitioner specializing in behavioral health. Hospitable and devoted to providing quality care, she is a member of the National devoted to providing quality care, she is a member of the National Association of Psychiatry Mental Health Nurse Practitioners, Association Association of Psychiatry Mental Health Nurse Practitioners, Association of Oklahoma Nurse Practitioners, American Association of Nurse of Oklahoma Nurse Practitioners, American Association of Nurse Practitioners and Oklahoma Nurses Association. Practitioners and Oklahoma Nurses Association.

Psychiatric, Yukon Psychiatric, Yukon Rahil Khalili, APRN Rahil Khalili, APRN

Dental School: University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry Specialization: Dental Specialization: Dental

Dental School: University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry

Dr. Hitesh Kayastha, DDS is a caring dentist who is passionate about Dr. Hitesh Kayastha, DDS is a caring dentist who is passionate about providing dental access to everyone. He is an established member of the providing dental access to everyone. He is an established member of the American Dental Association and places great importance on building a American Dental Association and places great importance on building a strong relationship of trust with all of his patients. strong relationship of trust with all of his patients.

Hitesh Kayastha, DDS Dentist,

Straka

Kumar Ennamuri, MD

Physician, Norman

Step into Step into Challenge! Challenge!

Cool Prizes!

1st Place Ray-Ban Stories Wayfarer Smart Glasses with Photo, Video & Audio

2nd Place $100 Gift Card

3rd Place $50 Gift Card

4th Place Inevifit Smart Body Fat Scale

5th Place $25 Gift Card

The Step into Summer Challenge is about kickstarting healthy habits as a new season begins. Turn up the heat with some healthy competition that's easy and fun for all! The challenge starts July 10th and will end August 19th. This is a two-person team challenge. If you want to participate, find a partner, create a team name, and submit it to Mechele Berry by Thursday, July 6. Wellable points are eared by tracking exercise activities, participating in Wellable challenges, and tracking meals/snacks each day.

Character Core Nominations

Do you know someone that is grateful, patient, or resourceful? Don’t let their hard work go unnoticed – submit them for a Character Core nomination! Each month, Variety Care highlights a new quality that exceptional employees possess. But did you know that you can nominate your co-workers for any of the 30+ characteristics listed?

Employee Relations Manager Ceirstyn Bradley says peer-to-peer recognition is important for employees. “It boosts their confidence and self-esteem, helps create a sense of belonging, and creates a culture of respect,” Bradley says. “Additionally, recognition from a supervisor can make an employee feel valued.”

The Character Core Committee is comprised of a handful of Variety Care employees from different locations, including the rural clinics. They are selected by leadership or by former committee members to serve, and each member serves for one year.

Click here to submit your nomination!