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2005 Service awardees list
Mary Michalowski has had six children and been part of three hospital mergers in the 40 years she has worked at BWH and its predecessor hospitals. Now, Michalowski works weekends as a receptionist in Patient Access Services, but her colleagues and supervisor say her presence is felt full-time. A very loyal employee, Michalowski is known for her personal touches, such as discreetly slipping congratulatory notes under co-workers' doors and enthusiastically greeting and directing patients, said Director of Patient Access Services Christine Collins.
“I am very happy to be working here all this time,” said Michalowski, who refers to her BWH co-workers as “my other family.”
At the June 9 Service Awards ceremony, Michal-owski received a standing ovation from her colleagues recognizing her four decades of work. Her story is but one of 1,168 stories of exemplary and devoted service of those contributing five, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 years to BWH.
Chief Operating Officer Kate Walsh, who announced the awardees, pointed to the large number of employees being honored as evidence of dedication. “This is the clearest demonstration of your commitment to Brigham and Women's Hospital,” she said. “You see that commitment every day in the faces of our staff. You can hear it in conversations along the Pike.”
That commitment runs especially deep for Nila Motipara, who works in Health Information Services' Correspondence and Record Copies division. Motipara was one of 53 employees honored for 30 years of service, an achievement that resonated with her as she reflected on what drew her to BWH when she came to this country from India as a young girl. “It's the best hospital. My bosses are the best,” she said. “This is my first job and this is my last job.”
Employees like Motipara help to build a sense of community at BWH.
“Brigham and Women's Hospital would not be one of the world's best teaching hospitals if it were not for all of you. Your passion, your spirit and your dedication make us who we are today,” said BWH President Gary Gottlieb in greeting honorees and their friends and families.
Walsh kept the mood light and the audience laughing at times with trivia in between awards. As she called the names of those with at least 25 years of service, Walsh shared anecdotes about each employee. Sondra Holland, a nurse on Tower 6, for example, collects cans and bottles, using the proceeds to buy shampoo for patients and popcorn for staff. “She truly loves her patients,” said Walsh of the 35-year BWHer.
In addition to Holland, those celebrating 35 years of service include Akhtari Alam, Joseph Bissonnette, Francis Cardoza, Mary R. Carney, Patricia Carvajal, Barbara Dean, Minnie Dellahunt-Mixon, Leslie Fortier, Yvonne E. Gordon, Sarah E. Kelly, David Leedham, Carol McGarigle, Charlotte Messinger, Lorna R. Rivers and Janis F. Swain.