AREA (Accountability, Respect, Excellence Applause) awards were given to employees who have gone above and beyond their job description and have demonstrated actions exemplary to the mission, visions and values of the Medical Center and Medical University.

Employees received a $50 gift certificate to either Citadel or Northwoods mall.

The employees were the following:

• George Chajewski, Food and Nutrition Services. Chajewski was instrumental in helping a patient and his family celebrate the Passover meal. He not only provided a place and the means for preparing the meal, but spent many hours of his own time to be with the family to see that all went well.
• Michael Gallo, MEDUCARE. Gallo was helping get a patient back to her home when he discovered it was on a small island off Pawley’s Island. Assuring the patient’s family that she would be delivered to her bed at her home, Gallo made special arrangements to transport her by flatbottom boat. He worked to secure the patient, himself and the others traveling in the boat for a safe trip across to the island.
• Antonio Gathers, Patient Admissions. Gathers took the time to console a family whose loved one passed away in the Trauma Center. After Pastoral Care Services staff members had left, he saw that the family was still devastated and took extra time to be with them until he felt they were alright. The family truly appreciated Gathers’ concern.
• Melvina Wilson, Institute of Psychiatry Impact Program. Wilson planned and prepared a delicious birthday luncheon for a patient’s parent. Because of special transportation requirements, the patient and parent had to travel daily to and from Impact for three months. Wilson knew of the strain this caused and donated her own time and money to help the patient and parent feel special with a celebration.
• Benjamin Brown, Physical Plant. A keen positive attitude and willingness to assist characterizes Taylor’s efforts. His flexibility and positive work ethics make him a true role model for his fellow Physical Plant employees.
• Gilberto Defreyte, Cardiology. Defreyte provided language assistance for a pediatric patient visiting the Medical Center during a scheduled appointment. Defreyte deferred his lunch break to help out.
• George Ellis, Physical Plant. Ellis found a wallet containing more than $900 and immediately submitted it to Public Safety. A thankful owner claimed the wallet and was grateful to Ellis for his honesty in returning it to him.
• Barbara Glover, Enrollment Services. Glover went out of her way to escort a recovering hand surgery patient home. In addition, Glover also contacted the patient over the weekend to make sure the she was comfortable.
• Kathy McKay, Parking Management. McKay assisted an employee who encountered car problems in the parking garage. She called security and stayed with the employee until her husband arrived. The employee was grateful for McKay’s patience and company that evening.