UTMB

GEM Stories

Do you have an extraordinary story? We are looking for extraordinary stories about our employees, students and volunteers that show the caring and compassion that is exhibited at UTMB on a daily basis. These special stories may be used as features in Impact, Employee Service Day events and other mediums across the university.

Enter your GEM Story Here

 

Exemplifying AIDET
October 21, 2012

Tonight I was called for two complicated consults in the emergency room. Nurse Martha Garcia was very helpful explaining to the second patient that they will be seen as soon as it is possible, and that they will receive the care that they came to the ED for. The patient was thankful for the clarification and the attention she had received while waiting for her turn in the Eye room. I really appreciate Nurse Martha Garcia's help keeping the patient informed and helping alleviate their concerns about waiting. Tonight, Nurse Garcia exemplified the AIDET principles, as she has done on so many occasions before. -- Tomasz Wiraszka


You ROCK!!!
October 12, 2012

Thanks to my co-worker Lee Martinez. He did his work in ED and then came and helped me in the MICU. If it wasn't for Lee my work load would have kept me busy without a break. Thanks LEE for going out of your way to help...You ROCK!!!. -- Lisa


Responds Quickly
October 9, 2012

Tam is well rounded therapist. He helps all his co-workers when they call for help. He always be the first one at code. Thanks, Tam. -- Vuong D


Helpful Co-worker
October 9, 2012

Lee Martinez goes extra mile when it comes to his co-workers. He helps his co-workers when they are behind on on their work load. He is the best co-worker to have around. Thanks Lee. -- Tam Nguyen


Special Thanks
July 6, 2012

Thanks to Ellen Boyd who has helped the entire BSN team through proctoring exams for students with accommodations on multiple occasions. Thanks, Ellen! -- John Scarbrough


Anonymous Kudos - Access Center
July 3, 2012

This is for the person that helped me get my medicine for my child who was leaving for camp for one week. We had called in our order to the local pharmacy and they claimed they did not have any refills. My son had a dr's appt 3 weeks prior to this and had requested his meds. I called the after hours number and they assisted immediately with my request. They contacted the pharmacy and said my son's meds would be available in 20 minutes! Thank you for caring. -- Petra


Great Asset
June 28, 2012

Sandy Gilmore has been a great co-worker and even a better TEAM Leader. She shows fairness and professionism in everything she does. She is definately a team player and loves to help by going above and beyond her regular job duties. She is direct using her skills and knowledge and humble when she is unsureand therefore follows through getting the information needed to do your job. Sandy your a Great asset to our department and I look forward to continue working with her !!! Keep up the good work. -- Lisa Lafleur


After Hours
June 27, 2012

Thank you Sonya Garza for helping me process my employees request for access. It was after 5 and you took the time to read my e-mail and respond to my many questions, before going home that evening. Your extra miles,is what makes UTMB a wonderful place to work. --Yvonne Shaw


Always Helpful
May 30, 2012

Wendy is always helpful and does what is needed when working on my team. On May 30, 2012 she started her shift in one assignment, then moved to another assignment when asked. She had to give up the patients she was caring for and start over on a new set of patients. This helped to open more rooms for new patients coming into the emergency department. Wendy also comes to work with a smile on her face and good attitude. --Lance Parker


Far Above the Norm
May 1, 2012

This story is submitted to celebrate Ms. Shelia Keels. This team leader's skill set is far above the norm here at UTMB. Her demeanor, her ability to resolve difficult issues, her "being present" in the situation with her knowledge and expert resolve would benefit emulation of all Finance Customer Service Representatives; Key Word: Customer SERVICE.

Ms. Keels was able to put the patient/client first, and basically come to the table with "How can I help you, and make this situation better," by gaining the respect of the client/patient, and showing respect to the client/patient and then determining a resolution. Ms. Keels is exemplarily and should be recognized with much more than this little GEM Card! She has just made this client/patient all better. Thank you Ms. Keels, you are truly part of my UTMB Family.--Kat Joel-Reich


Quick Response
January 6, 2012

I would like to recognize Mr. Randy Carreon, a Transporter at the Victory Lakes Town Center location. Mr. Carreon went the extra mile in quickly responding to my arriving late and needing to get checked in as quickly as possible to get to my appointment. Mr. Carreon overheard me stating that I had gone to the the Victory Lakes facility in error and was running late for my appointment. I was standing in a long line to get checked in when Mr. Carreon directed me to another consultant that could help me get signed in as soon as possible. I really appreciated his stepping up and responding to my problem.--Sharon Ven Huizen


Nurse that Rocks!
July 17, 2011

This goes to the Nurse that Rocks. I am speaking about J4B CCU, Nurse Trerry V. Blight for taking the time to go that extra mile by taking good care of my sister who was a patient here and explaining her condition, what was going on and steps that were being taken to care for her. He made our family feel very at ease. I could just feel that he was very sincere about his patient. A special thanks also to the PCT- Orlando Grismore and Nurse Katrina Johnson. We have the best here at UTMB. Again a BIG Thanks!--J. Guerra, HUC


Caring Boss
February 14, 2011

Sharon Lawrence from the Polunsky Unit is a wonderful caring person that will go to great extents to ensure the safety of her employees. The week of bad weather, on February 2nd, several freeways were closed in Houston due to ice on the road. Ms. Lawrence put us in a room for two nights just to make sure it was safe enough to drive back home. We and our families are very thankful to have such a caring boss. Thank You so very much.--C. Patino


Kudos
February 11, 2011

Randy P. Morris, is the Biomedical Clinical Engineering Specialist for the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery & Rehabilitation. He is a very personable and highly adaptable individual that not only excels in his primary job but also serves as our department computer artist, asset manager, technical writer, IS assistant, research lab manager, furniture and equipment mover, and audio visual presentation expert. He never complains and does many personal favors on his own time for others in the department and the Orthopaedic Clinics. Kudos to you Randy Morris for going the extra mile and helping our department run smoothly. It is very much appreciated..--Sherry Carter


GEM of a Department
December 28, 2010

I have a mentally ill son and on 12/21/2010 he managed to overdose on his medications. I called the Access center for help. Rosalba Guerro answered the phone. When I told her what had happened she said "don't go anywhere I am getting you a nurse"- true enough seconds later Lori Greer was on the phone. I told her what had happened, she immediately got a doctor and they determined he had overdosed and we had less than 30 minutes to get him to a hospital. Lori called Mainland Center to give them the heads up we were on our (too far to make it here). When we got there they were prepared and the doctor was waiting for us. This is not the first time I have had to call the Access Center. They are always available and willing to help. The staff is GREAT! This is one of UTMB's greatest assets.--Ruth Jones


Natural GEM
November 15, 2010

While in Cafe on the Court there was a lady in a wheel chair. The cafeteria was busy with people trying to get lunch and get back work. Jeffery stopped to assist the lady in the wheel chair by getting her chili and crackers for her and placing them on her tray. Jeffery did not know any one was watching. This an example of being part of the UTMB family. To Jeffery Worman, you are a natural GEM. --Paula Martin Lynch


Pure Gold
March 30, 2010

When I first came to work for UTMB, there was a security officer, Douglas Bennett, that always met me at the gate. He never meets a stranger and always has a smile on his face or a kind word to say. Just seeing him there would make the rest of the day go by so smooth. Soon he became a Nurse (RN) and started to work for UTMB too. This past year he has come to face a battle with cancer. Through his good spirits, determination and faith in the man above he has accomplish so much, I am so glad to know and work with him. He's an inspiration to me and others. If I could give a million GEM cards to anyone it would have to be him. Even through bad times this man never gave up nor did he forget is co-workers. When we should have been checking up on him, he was checking up on us. This man a dedicated father and husband. He is definitely a loyal worker for UTMB. You can't tell me this man doesn't have a heart of pure gold. --Cathy Smith


Dedication and Professionalism
March 19, 2010

Not long ago, a Mental Health Case Manager at Beto Unit had to take a month off to recover from back surgery. I asked the Case Managers at Hodge DDP (formerly MROP) if any of them would like to fill in at Beto for a while and Mr.Ken Fox, MHCM at Hodge volunteered. Even though he had little experience working outpatient Mental Health, he quickly learned his new duties and proved himself to be a major asset. He counseled patients, did rounds, did the inbound chain and was fun to be around during this time. A few months later, a MHCM at Coffield needed surgery and guess what? Once again Mr. Ken Fox volunteered to help out. This amount of dedication and professionalism is always appreciated. --Reed Dobbins, MHM


Going the Extra Mile
March 8, 2010

We have a Director of Nurses, Debra Dean, at the Ron Jackson Unit that cannot be beat. Her door is always open to listen to your problems, your ideas, and concerns. I do not think she ever goes home, she works day and night. I have come to know and respect her as my supervisor. I believe she is fair and just to all. I know she works a lot harder than most and goes the extra mile to help other units. I really appreciate her.--Pam Bell


Going the Extra Mile
January 7, 2010

Josanne Smathers, Administrator for the Departments of Orthopaedics, Neurology, and Neurology & Cell Biology is awesome. She does an outstanding job of managing 3 departments, and the clinics they support. There are countless challenges that arise at all hours of the day and night and she meets every one with a smile as well as a smiley face in her emails. She is extremely sharp and everyone likes working for her. I don't know if she has ever received a GEM card but her office should be filled with them. KUDOS to you Josanne for going the EXTRA MILE for all of us especially after Ike.--Sherry Carter


 

utmb Health