Leadership embraced- BWH Bulletin - For and about the People of Brigham and Women's Hospital
Leadership embraced- BWH Bulletin - For and about the People of Brigham and Women's Hospital
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January 21, 2000
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In This Issue:
Leadership embraced
BWH Physicians Organization
New Process for Bedside Glucose Testing
SJPHC honors social worker Nancy MacDougall
Pike Notes
Behavioral Neurology's anchor
Obituary
When Maria Damiano stepped to the podium Thursday morning, she was warmed by the appreciation of her colleagues. Damiano, administrator of the CDIC, became the first recipient of the Thomson Leadership Award. The award was created to reinforce the characteristics of leadership embraced by the late Dennis Thomson, former vice president of Public Affairs at BWH. “I am honored to be the first recipient of this award,” said Damiano. “I've spoken to so many people about Dennis and I can tell by their words and the expressions upon their faces, what he meant to this hospital.” The Thomson Leadership Award recognizes an outstanding leader at BWH on an annual basis. Nominations reflecting an individual’s key qualities of leadership such as character, competency, composure, commitment, courage, and care for people were submitted this fall and reviewed by a steering committee. Damiano was nominated by Matt Van Vranken, chief operating officer. “Maria has clearly dedicated herself to meeting the mission of this hospital,” said Van Vranken. “She represents each of the traits of leadership recognized by this award and demonstrates them on a daily basis in her interactions with colleagues, staff, and patients.” Dennis Thomson came to BWH in 1991 as director of Public Affairs and was later promoted to vice president. He served in that capacity until his death in November 1998 at the age of 49. During the award presentation, Damiano joined Van Vranken to unveil a plaque that now hangs just outside of the Bornstein Amphitheater. “Dennis Thomson cared a great deal about all people,” said Van Vranken. “He served as a moral compass for many of us. We hope that this award in Dennis’ name will help keep his legacy vibrant at BWH.” Others nominated for this year’s award included Mitchell Albert, PhD; Ronald Arky, MD; Marie Atey, phlebotomist, BIMA; Gina Bianchi, LPN, Medicine; Martha Burke, LICSW, program manager, Care Coordination; Debra Cummings, RN, nurse in charge; Jeffrey Drazen, MD; Marisol Figueroa, medical assistant, Adult Medicine; Katrina Harris, medical assistant, BIMA; Arthur Mombourquette, executive director, Support Services; Mary Lou Moore, RN, nurse manager; Christine Simonian, office manager, Radiation Oncology; Miriam Trainer, RN, nurse manager; and Kristin Valentine, staffing coordinator, Nursing Administration.