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An MUSC Hero Boinest's generosity, service go beyond job by Cindy Abole Public Relations Each day, Medical Center guest relations representative Karen Boinest greets  the countless patients, their families and visitors who visit the eighth floor people with a smile and hello. In her eyes, they may all meet as strangers in need, but they part as friends. Boinest has the task of assisting people and their immediate nonmedical needs while at MUSC. Because many eighth floor patients are very weak or acutely ill, Boinest does her best to accommodate them and their families. Her friendliness, courtesy and dependability have helped people feel at ease even in some of the most desperate and stressful of times. Her attentiveness, professionalism, commitment towards customer service have inspired pride and excellence among others in the workplace.   “Karen has a special calling to help others in need,” said Kim Egbert, nurse and care manager for pulmonary and gastroenterology. “So many people have been enriched and touched by Karen’s generosity and assistance.” Empowered to assist people whether it’s helping a patient or addressing and resolving an issue for a guest or family member, Boinest wants to provide the finest personal service in every situation. She comforts patients and guests, answers questions or puts patients in touch with the right person to help (clergy, notary, dietician, social worker), writes and mails letters, makes phone calls, supplies toothpaste and other necessities forgotten from home.  Her counterpart on the ninth floor, guest relations coordinator Jim Chapman, knows that Boinest is an asset to the institution. “She is very giving and has a generous heart,” said Chapman. “She doesn’t quit until her task is done.” Boinest’s attitude and pride in assisting others contributes to a successful and positive team-like effort among her peers while maintaining a comfortable and caring hospital environment. “She’s the Red Cross with legs,” said Tracy Ferro, an eighth floor unit educator and clinical nurse specialist. “Karen is always helping others or giving of her time. She is organized, devoted and has a great sense of humor. Her maternal instinct for caring and listening to people is natural and a real pleasure to work with.” Nurse and care manager Cameron Evers agrees.  “Karen goes beyond the extra mile to help patients,” Evers said. “She is always busy. Karen readily helps patient’s families find rides to and from the hospital. She also assists family and friends in finding long-term lodging and sometimes finds clothes and other necessities for struggling patients and their families.” Boinest’s generosity naturally extends into the holidays. This month, she will coordinate a special Christmas meal for patient families who will spend their holiday visiting loved ones in the hospital. She has solicited food donations from local merchants to provide the fixings for a traditional dinner. She will also coordinate with the hospital’s Dietetic Services staff to cook the holiday turkey and ham and reserve dining space for the event. On Christmas day, she and her 11-year old son, Miles, plus other volunteers come out and play hosts to the happy and grateful diners. “Karen is a very caring and compassionate person,” said Peggy Simmons, R.N., director of Therapeutic Services.  “She consistently makes an effort to go the extra step for patients, their families, visitors, MUSC staff, phone contacts and strangers on the street. She shares and provides for anyone she realizes has a need. Color, creed, socio-economic status—diversity of any nature is never a curtailment to her generosity.” Editor’s note: At MUSC, heroes abound. They exist in the form of caregivers, faculty, students and staff. The Catalyst's MUSC Heroes is a column that offers employees and staff the opportunity to recognize MUSC's everyday heroes. Send an e-mail about your MUSC hero along with your name and office phone number to catalyst@musc.edu.    Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to petersnd@musc.edu or catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Community Press at 849-1778.