Ornuma Wawsri, December 2011

“Ornuma is ‘one of a kind’ and a ‘rare find’ who is truly an asset to Anne Chapin and the Clinical Skills Center team,” said Yvonne G. Newberry, Assistant Clerkship Director, OB/GYN. The nomination for Ornuma, Medical Education Support Specialist in the Department of Medical Education, highlighted her taking the initiative to sort and organize two years of data to facilitate a clinician’s research; devising a beneficial solution to enhance the privacy for patients and student learners in the Clinical Skills Center, and; creating efficiencies in Center operations that allowed the Center to nearly double the output in 2011 without additional staff.

Danielle Richardson, November 2011

Danielle, Grants Accountant for the Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, was honored because she assumed additional responsibilities as the result of a vacancy while maintaining her full workload. “I have seen Danielle lead difficult cost savings conversations, act as a leader by relaying group concerns, and quickly and accurately respond to requests. Danielle’s reputation as being in the forefront of her specialty precedes her and I feel extremely proud to have her as a member of our finance team,” wrote Elizabeth Molina, Director of Finance.

Keena Thomas, October 2011

In nominating Keena, Amy H. Bouton, PhD, wrote “Keena has been a key liaison with the construction staff for the lab as well as the entire department and has come in repeatedly on nights and weekends to check on the aftermath of construction outages.”  A Laboratory Specialist with the Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, Keena became the “go-to” person on the 7^th floor of Jordan whenever any administration/construction concerns were expressed.  This was particularly critical in 2011 as the department faced extreme challenges in the midst of significant construction impediments.

Barbara White, August 2011

Barbara, Fiscal Analyst in Neurology, was honored for assuming the responsibility of clerkship coordination due to an unexpected absence.  Her pleasant demeanor and professionalism reflected positively on the Department and the School.  “Barbara has worked hard and has always agreed to work on whatever aspect of the clerkship coordination that needed to be done.  She is always cheerful and calm, which helps out tremendously in a sometimes stressful situation,” wrote Priscilla Potter, MD, Clerkship Director.   

Tony Herring, July 2011

Tony, a Laboratory and Research Specialist II in the Department of Surgery, was nominated because of his dedication to the department, his direct team and animal care. His kindness and wealth of knowledge contributes to a positive, inquisitive lab atmosphere that promotes sharing and cooperation. “Tony is an integral part of all our animal research projects. From mice to pigs, he has provided all of the needed technical knowledge and training for our animal studies from the writing to the maintenance of all our animal protocols.” 

Lea Becker, June 2011

Lea, an Advanced Clinical Research Coordinator in the Department of Medicine, was nominated because of her commitment to the success of clinical research trials as an ambassador and process improver. She represents the University with a high level of integrity and professionalism. “Lea is a highly motivated self-starter who is always certain things get done correctly and promptly. At a recent site visit, Lea was not only prepared but responded to their queries above and beyond expectations insuring continuation of our research relationship with that company.”

Carol Yowell, May 2011

Carol, Grants Specialist in the Department of Molecular Phys and Biological Physics, was nominated because of her work efforts and willingness to problem solve in the best interest of the department. Recently, she handled five new lab start-ups involving large equipment procurements and other time sensitive requirements without error. “Carol’s assistance and problem solving skills have helped enable new faculty to begin their UVa research careers as quickly as possible with limited delays.”

Mary Jean Thiele, April 2011

Mary Jean, Residency Coordinator, was nominated because of her commitment and work with the Neurology Residency Program. The program received the longest available renewal term of five years and no citations. This is a unique and impressive accomplishment.  “Mary Jean makes herself personally accountable for the success of the residency program. She consistently strives to ensure program activities are documented appropriately, and the program is operating optimally within the guidelines of the residency review committee.” 

Eva Casola, March 2011

CPD Administrator, Department of Medical Education

“Eva’s organizational skills have been critical throughout the planning and implementation phases of the new Clinical Performance Development course. She has the critical ability to plan ahead and anticipate what tasks need to be performed in the appropriate time frame.”

Linda Bailes, February 2011

Clinical Research Coordinator, Department of Medicine

“Linda works tirelessly to further the reputation of the University of Virginia Cardiovascular group in terms of the recognition of performing outstanding clinical research trials. This has allowed us to gain national and international prominence for cutting edge cardiovascular research.”

Debbie Boggs, January 2011

Grants Specialist, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery

“The ownership Debbie takes for any project is a rarity in today’s time. Her problem solving skills and her willingness to work as a team to accomplish goals continue to be her greatest strengths.”