January Employees of the Month

Vanessa Stewart, Volunteer & Guest Services
"This award is long over due for such a giving person on a daily basis. I am a board member and was given a donation from a visitor coming into the Hollings Cancer Center to support the Angel Tree. In my daily interaction with Vanessa I told about the story of the donation and how it touched my heart. Vanessa wanted to help in getting the gifts for the children and made it her project to go on her personal time and shop with the funds donated. She took the names of each child, shopped for them and made sure to get each of them gifts off their list. She wanted to make a difference and stepped in to assist with such a worthy cause."
Nominated by Barbara Busby

Christopher Kling, Adult Respiratory Care
"In my short time serving as a leader for the Respiratory Therapy (RT)department I have had the pleasure to work with many outstanding staff members. When I first met Chris Kling, he was a good, solid performer. In the past six months Chris has made significant headway and has developed into a high performer and a true role model. He is working on his clinical ladder for advancement to an RTIII, has completed training as a charge therapist, and was elected to co-chair the Respiratory Practice Council. He is always willing to help out in any way he can to ensure success of his team and the organization. He has trained in additional areas and serves a float resource whenever needed. He is adaptable, flexible, proactive and committed. An example of this employee's dedication was on New Year's Eve when he came in to work his scheduled day shift holiday. In learning that a sick call would leave the night shift short without a supervisor, this employee went home and came back in that night to fill in as a charge therapist for the night shift. Chris Kling always goes above and beyond for patients, coworkers, and our organization as a whole."
Nominated by Amanda McGarrigle

Jessica Credeur, Clinical Effectiveness
"I just wanted to take the time to commend the outstanding work and services of MUSC. I worked an attempted murder of a baby and since this is an open investigation, I cannot detail any specifics. However, based upon the circumstances of that night, it is an absolute miracle what the doctors and staff at MUSC performed in order to sustain this child's life. In light of the fact that this was a jurisdictional nightmare for our agency as it pertained to follow-ups and the legal procedures, Jessica Credeur guided me through the entire process. She ensured that I received all the appropriate paperwork and updated me with any situational changes for the child. As an investigator, having someone who accommodates in this manner makes my investigation go smoothly and ensures justice for the victims. The children of MUSC are very fortunate to have Ms. Credeur there for them. In addition, I would like to note the outstanding assistance of Dr. [Mia] Amaya. Dr. Amaya had an outstanding rapport with my victim. It is evident that Dr. Amaya has the best interest for the children. In closing, MUSC has a tremendous staff, and it is reassuring to know that the victim in my case is under your care." Writen by Joshua Dowling (Beaufort police).
Nominated by Joyce Rivers-Miller

January Physician of the Month

Michael Bernard, M.D. Cardiology
"Dr. Michael Bernard is a cardiac electrophysiology fellow at MUSC. On his way home from work he stopped to assist an MUSC nursing student performing CPR on a student who had collapsed while jogging. Dr. Bernard assisted EMS personnel until he was stable for transfer. When he learned the patient was sent to MUSC, he sought out the family and shared the events that occurred immediately after their son's collapse. He recognized the efforts of the nursing student and provided them comfort and reassurance that immediate life sustaining interventions were provided while their son was maintained in a comatose state necessary for the hypothermia protocol. Thanks to the efforts of Dr. Bernard and the nursing student, the patient made a rapid recovery and is back in school."
Nominated by Natalie Ankney