Clinical Center News
Fall 2020

34 Clinical Center staff recognized with NIH Director's Awards in 2020

Broadus Queen
Broadus Queen from the Nutrition Departmen was awarded for his outstanding customer service and positive attitude in the NIH Clinical Center Nutrition Room Service Call Center.
 
Riley talked about a patients order on a phone with a colleague
Melissa Riley from the Nutrition Department was recognized for her excellent work in ensuring the Room Service section exceeds standards in promoting patient safety and satisfaction.
 

Dr. Francis Collins, director of the NIH, congratulated 660 winners during the 2020 NIH Director's Awards for their contributions to NIH in 2019. He recognized 34 Clinical Center staff for their accomplishments within the hospital. Only about 2% of NIH staff are recognized for their notable achievements each year.

"I … offer sincere congratulations to all NIH awardees during this year that has been and continues to be like no other!," said Dr. James Gilman, CEO of the NIH Clinical Center, in his 2020 NIH Director's Award video. "This [COVID-19] pandemic certainly generates a spectrum of emotions for all of us…today's event lands on the other end of that emotional spectrum offering us a chance to step back and experience together great pride, joy and gratitude as we are inspired by the dedication of our 34 Clinical Center staff who are recognized today."

The following Clinical Center staff received individual or group awards (only Clinical Center staff are listed).

Administrative:
The Materials Management & Environmental Services Department was recognized for their teamwork and collaboration as their staff ensured continuity of operations and safe patient care during a period of extreme upheaval and uncertainty. On March 11, 2019, a critical steam failure occurred in the ACRF and the effects that resulted from the widespread steam shutoff and the leaks that resulted affected many components of the CC community. Collaborative efforts were successful as individuals with specialized skills and expertise worked closely together, even when services had to be relocated and supply inventories replenished.

This group award includes:

  • Belinda Avila
  • Chauncey Buford
  • Troy Cotton
  • Tsehai Crockett-Lynn
  • Kevin Doty
  • Ellen Eckes
  • Bernard Harper
  • Carlos Hercules
  • Michael Kennedy
  • Kathleen Krisko
  • Racquel O'neal
  • James Outman
  • David Ram
  • JamesRowe
  • Tonja Sirmons
  • Raymond Spencer
  • Shealea Steals

Melissa Riley from the Nutrition Department was recognized for her excellent work in ensuring the Room Service section exceeds standards in promoting patient safety and satisfaction. Riley was instrumental in the implementation of iPhones use to track patient tray delivery including training all staff on the new process. In addition, she implemented the wall-mounted use of iPad for tray service workers to log trays when they are out for delivery; this correctly tracks patient food tray deliveries, ensuring that patients receive food orders accurately and in a timely manner.

Technical/Clerical/Support:
Broadus Queen from the Nutrition Department was awarded for his outstanding customer service and positive attitude in the NIH Clinical Center Nutrition Room Service Call Center. Queen consistently goes above and beyond in his daily work. He treats the patients like they are family. He remembers their preferences, guides them through ordering and makes them feel at ease when talking to him. He can somehow balance maintaining efficiency without making the patients feel rushed.

Nominated by CIT:
John Kocher was honored in recognition of exceptional and sustained performance supporting, coordinating, and participating in an extended and in-depth GAO information security audit that involved multiple NIH organizations. Kocher joins 62 other colleagues from 5 other ICs on this group award.

Nominated by NEI:
For exceptional teamwork leading to a ground-breaking discovery in the field of RPE Cell Therapy:

  • Steven Highfill
  • Fang Hua
  • Balendu JHA
  • Sarmila Sarkar
  • Dan Yu

These awardees join 17 other colleagues from NEI on this group award.

Nominated by NHGRI:
For writing an IRB-approved gene therapy protocol for GM1 gangliosidosis, obtaining an IND, and beginning treatment for an affected child:

  • Eva Baker
  • Krista Cato
  • Karen Grinnen
  • David Lang
  • Scott Paul
  • Zenaide Queszado
  • Muhammad Yousef

These awardees join 9 other colleagues from 2 other ICs (NHGRI and NIMH) on this group award.

Nominated by OD:
For exceptional leadership in organizing various visits to NIH for Members of Congress and Congressional staff:

  • David Saeger
  • Maggi Stakem

The winners join 41 other colleagues from 7 other ICs on this group award.

- Maria Maslennikov

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