Ten, Fifteen, and Twenty Years UVA Health Service Awards Event Photos
An organization is only as successful as the team members who dedicate their time, talents and tenacity to its mission. Just this month, we honored 758 team members across the health system celebrating ten to 50 years of service, totaling 14,475 years of collective service. Among them were two individuals, Andre Berkin and Audrey Thompson, who have been with UVA Health for an astounding 50 years!
As I approach my own 5-year anniversary, I am reminded how quickly time passes and how much change can occur in a short time. This year, we celebrated 94 team members at the Medical Center who have given 40+ years of their careers to serving patients and communities in central Virginia and beyond. Over these decades, technology advanced, our footprint grew, new buildings were built, and care models evolved. Learning from the legacy of those who’ve seen this progress first-hand is crucial, so we asked several of these individuals to share what they like most about working for UVA Health and to offer advice for making UVA Health the best place to work (I’d love to hear your thoughts too through the Be Heard Suggestion Box):
Bruce Ford, Senior Software Systems Engineer (44 years of service)
“I work in a non-clinical support role, so for me, the best part of the job is proximity to the clinical work of the Medical Center, and the knowledge that even those of us not directly involved in patient care are part of an organization that provides life-enhancing and even lifesaving care every day.
My advice for a new team member would be to explore ways to connect with other team members outside of the job, and especially check out all of the opportunities the wider University community offers; social, recreational, educational and so forth. Tap into the offerings you find interesting and connect with like-minded people.”
Twenty-Five to Fifty Years UVA Health Service Awards Event Photos
Susan Prather, Clinical Program Coordinator, Nursing Initiatives (43 years of service)
“The Best part of working at UVA Health is working with so many very talented, compassionate, motivated staff that truly care about patients and families. I am constantly amazed at the lengths staff will go to provide amazing care and I feel comforted that if I or a loved one were ill, we would have the same level of care!
For newcomers, my suggestion is to get involved! Find something about your job that truly interests you, and make it better!”
Twenty-Five to Fifty Years UVA Health Service Awards Event Photos
Cathy Hudson, Administrative Office Coordinator (44 years of service)
“The best part of working at UVA Health University Medical Center is the opportunity to interact with people from diverse backgrounds and assist them with their questions and problems. No day is the same. Every day is different and challenging. UVA has great benefits and offers opportunities to advance in your career, and the people are friendly and supportive.
My top advice to new team members is to treat people as you want to be treated, with courtesy and respect always. Build a team. Get to know your co-workers throughout the organization. Have a good communication system. Ask for help. There is always someone willing to help you succeed. Be a dedicated team member and whatever position you are in do it to the best of your ability.”
Twenty-Five to Fifty Years UVA Health Service Awards Event Photos
Robin Smoot, Patient Friendly Access Supervisor (44 years of service)
"I have found during my 45 years (in November) that UVA is a “secure” place to work. It gives the opportunity of career growth within the organization and develops opportunities within the organization to move up. An example includes the Patient Access field that has added steps for moving up (Access Associate Senior, Access Associate Lead and Access Associate Supervisor). Also, the addition of the “Earn While You Learn” program has been a great opportunity for those who may want to work in a patient care capacity.
Treat everyone the way you would want to be treated. Show compassion with a smile or by simply making eye contact. Be respectful at all times, and finally, listen with your heart, and not just your ears.”
Audrey Thompson, Administrative Specialist (50 years of service)
"The best part of working for UVA Health is the team effort. It is great working with a Team that values and appreciates all levels of employees as each plays an important role in accomplishing our overall goal to serve our patients and families.
New team members need to be flexible. It is important to have the ability to accept and go with changes, as our institution is constantly moving forward."
I am profoundly grateful for our incredible team members’ skill, expertise, courage, and commitment. Our longest-serving team members have seen remarkable growth and transformation at UVA Health. Their wisdom, and the dedication of all our team members, guide us on our mission of transforming health and inspiring hope for all Virginians and beyond. Thank you for being part of this journey!
Take care and be well,
Wendy