Med Travelers Recognizes Outstanding Allied Healthcare Professionals and Medical Facilities

During each quarter in 2009, Med Travelers will recognize one traveler as Med Travelers’ Quarterly Shining Star and one client facility as Med Travelers' Quarterly Place To Be. Each quarterly winner is awarded a cash prize of $500 and at the end of the year, a Yearly Shining Star and a Yearly Place To Be will be selected from the quarterly winners. The Yearly Shining Star and Yearly Place To Be will each be awarded a grand prize of $2,000 cash.

To recognize an exceptional traveler or healthcare facility, simply complete our Traveler Nomination Form or Client Nomination Form. Travelers may be nominated by Med Travelers' staff members and clients. Clients may be nominated by Med Travelers' staff members and travelers.

Congratulations to our 2009 Shining Star, Scott Morgan
"I would like to nominate Mr. Scott Morgan for the Grand Prize award.  Mr. Morgan worked at the University of Maryland Medical Center as an Echo Technologist through MedTravelers. During his assignments, he managed to impress his co-workers, supervisor and medical director with his outstanding work ethic, knowledge and superior patient care skills.  He served as a mentor and trainer to our new and growing staff as well as echocardiography students during their internships.  Mr. Morgan not only excelled in performing state of the art echocardiograms but also participated in physician-sonographer conferences.  The medical staff were impressed with his skills and confidence in performing complex studies. The permanent staff admired his ability and willingness to share his knowledge and insisted that he become a permanent member of our team. 

Patients have praised his demeanor and bedside manner and to me that is one of the most important qualities to possess as a healthcare worker.  Echo Technologists who understand and empathize with patients and go the extra mile to educate and ease those in distress to me are true stars.  Our medical director Dr. John Gottdiener who is very well recognized within the field of echocardiography has written an outstanding letter of recommendation and had hoped Mr. Morgan would join our team.  I sincerely hope Mr. Morgan wins this award and I wish him nothing but the best in his career because he truly deserves it. 
Mr. Yanni Pitsos-Supervisor/Technical Director of the Adult Echocardiography Lab at UMMC."

Congratulations to our 2009 Place To Be Winner, Progress West Healthcare
"After three consecutive assignments at Progress West Hospital, I have to say it is not only the best travel assignment I have ever had, but the best acute care hopital I have ever worked for. From the friendly professional staff to the caring and involved management, the whole team is a pleaure to be around on a daily basis. Progress West enjoys some of the highest patient satisfaction scores in the country and the highest of all the BJC helathcare facilities, and it is not surprising. Patients are always commenting on the awesome efficiency and compassion of this hospital.

I could go on and on about this organization and the people who work here. It has definitely left an impression on me and makes me want to perform at my highest level. The radiologists group working with Progress West are some of the most helpful, professional and concerned that I have ever had the pleasure to work with."
Stacey Spivey

Congratulations to our Q4 winners!

Q4 Shining Star Winner

Lance Cotton was nominated by Rachel Manchester.

“Lance is just a rock star! Not only does he treat our patients with 5 star service, he goes out of his way to support the community, and he volunteered his time to attended our coompany's walk a thon which raised money for HIV/AIDS research. Ive never seen a traveler go that extra mile, and I'm hoping Lance stays with Evergreen for a long time.“

Q4 Shining Star Nominees

Kathy Benson
Melissa Camacho
Carol Hudak
Katie Sweet
Scott Morgan

Q4 Place To Be Winner

Trinity Mission Health and Rehab of Holly Springs
Holly Springs, MS

“I recently spent 39 weeks at this facility and can only say positive things. The people (therapy, nursing, administration) are great and made me feel welcome from day one. The administrator is involved with the residents daily. I have never seen that before. Therapy services were geared towards the patient and their well-being instead of the bottom line. I am personally aware of several pro bono cases at this facility. The best way to put it - the people are there for the patients and not just a job. It  has reassured me of the good of people and my profession."
Celia Highland

On behalf of Med Travelers, congratulations to you both on your achievement and thank you for your hard work and dedication.

Congratulations to our Q3 winners!

Q3 Shining Star Winner

Ryan Decker was nominated by Vicki Beaver, Joyce Jefferson, and Brenda Lake.

“Outstanding  PT and young man. Extremely professional. Always had computer and worked daily, fast learner. Patients and staff loved him. Send him back to us. Any mother would be proud to have him as a son, myself included. There truly is only one Ryan Decker. He will touch many lives in his professional and he already has.... “

“I am the Rehab Coordinator here at IVNA and I couldn't have ask for a better PT.  All our patients love him”

“Ryan is such a super PT!  He came to our site and became oriented immediately. Gets along with all staff, knowledgeable, and first PT traveler who actually knew homecare!  Knows how to use laptop proficiently and is knowledgeable regarding OASIS.  Patients and staff love him.  His manager who is a tough Pt, and thinks he shines also.  We extended him right away for 13 weeks.” 

Q3 Shining Star Nominees

Althea Stanislaus, Physical Therapist
Angela Shillinglaw, Occupational Therapist
Angie Amedro, Physical Therapist
Betty Petty, Sonographer
Carol Hudak, Medical Laboratory Technician
Charlen Zahner, Physical Therapist
Doris Domingue, Sonographer
Emmanuel Blaskewicz, Medical Lboratory Technician
Eugen Blaskewicz, Echo Technologist
Heath Jones, Occupational Therapist
Jame Beyer, Physical Therapist
Jeff Broussard, CT Technologist
Jennifer Lepere, Physical Therapist
Joann Stanger, Occupational Therapist
Joelle Schahfer, Occuupational Therapist
Katrina Griffith, Physical Therapist
Kennethia Townsend, COTA
Kristen Podein, Physical Therapist
Kristy Glass, Medical Laboratory Technician
Mark Nakonechny, Occupational Therapist
Melissa Camacho, Sonographer
Melissa Jackson, Histologist
Nell Resnick, Physical Therapy Assistant
Patrick Dooley, Histologist
Philip Clay, COTA
Ryan Decker, Physical Therapist
Sam Bell, Speech/Language Pathologist
Scott Morgan, Echo Technologist
Stephanie Stevens, Medical Laboratory Technician
Susan Katz, Physical Therapist
Toni Lynn Youmans, Physical Therapy Assistant

Q3 Place To Be Winner

Bay Area Medical Center
Marinette, WI

“This facilitly has a great staff who are inviting and helpful to work with.  The director has a unique ability of being able to run a clinic with kindness, understanding and approachability.  The front desk staff is on top of everything and keeps everyone on task.  It’s also one of the few clinics that has very little drama amongst staff.  Everyone gets along very well.  With all that said, the clinic is brand new, 5000sq ft of gym space, lots of fun new exciting toys for therapists to use and is located 2 1/2 blocks from Lake Michigan (Green Bay).”
Joshua Feeney

On behalf of Med Travelers, congratulations to you both on your achievement and thank you for your hard work and dedication.

Q2 Shining Star Winner

Lisa Twark, MedicalTechnologist

I am nominating Lisa Twark as a Shining Star.   Lisa has worked two assignments for me as a traveler and I have received glowing accolades for her at both.  Lisa’s assignments with me were at Methodist of Oak Ridge.  This is a hospital that had requested Lisa back for a 26 week assignment.  I believe that also speaks volumes for her as when Methodist needed a tech, she was the first one they thought of.  Lisa was a valuable team player and is always going to be the top on their list when requesting a traveler.  In her current assignment, Lisa is working as the acting Laboratory Director, reporting directly to the CEO.  This facility is preparing for their Joint Commission review and has been preparing the laboratory based off of past surveys.  Lisa has stepped right in and is leading this team to excellence with her integrity and enthusiasm and willingness to be a team player.  Lisa has even re-worked her schedule to come on the weekends to prepare for The Joint Commission.  She is playing an integral part with the leadership team and is representing both herself and Med Travelers to the greatest level of professionalism in which we pride ourselves on.   I received a call from the facility yesterday saying things have gone so smoothly and they are very appreciative of Lisa and her commitment to making a difference.  These are only two  instances in which Lisa has worked for me personally. I also know that Lisa has worked multiple other assignments and has been requested back each time.   As a Regional Account Manager, I consult with each of my clients on the benefits and professionalism of our travelers. Lisa Twark comes to mind every time I think of the attitude, skill, and level of professionalism that I convey in my day to day conversations.
Shannon Distler, Regional Account Manager
Med Travelers

Q2 Shining Star Nominees

Rose Ackerman, Registered Vascular Tech
Julie Ritsema, Occupational Therapist
Ryan Decker, Physical Therapist
Joshua Feeney, Physical Therapist
Ashley Gavin, Occupational Therapist
Sandra Brandstetter, Sonographer
Jennifer Reed, Respiratory Therapist
Carol Hudak, Medical Technologist

Q2 Place To Be Winner

Stanford Hospitals & Clinics
Stanford, California

I would like to nominate Stanford Hospital and Clinics.  They have a long-standing preferred relationship with AMN Healthcare and Med Travelers, were voted one of America's Best Hospitals 2008, and are known for their prestigious teaching programs. The Rehab Manager, Mimi McKay, is a pleasure to work with, sets prompt interviews and always responds quickly.  Providers regard Stanford as one of the top assignment locations, seeing it as an opportunity to not only work for an esteemed hospital, but a chance to enhance their skills in specialized areas of therapy, all while living in one of the most beautiful locations in the nation. Traveler Danielle Hoskins wrote of them, "I am so impressed with Stanford Hospital. The staff are professional and friendly, easy to work with, and dedicated to patient/family-centered care. My first week here, I was surprised by the thorough orientation process, reasonable case load, and good support from department management (not what you always expect as a traveler!). All in all, a fantastic first assignment. I look forward to extending my time with this excellent facility."
Kristen Keck, Director of Regional Accounts
Med Travelers

Q2 Place To Be Nominees

Mercy Medical Center
Springfield, Massachusetts

Heart Hospital of Lafayette
Lafayette, Louisiana

Baton Rouge General Medical Center
Baton Rouge, Louisiana

University Specialty Hospital
Baltimore, Maryland

Northeast Cardiology Associates
Bangor, Maine

Evergreen Hospital Medical Center
Kirkland, Washington

Stanley Regional Medical Center
Albemarle, North Carolina

VNA of Greater Philadelphia
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Valley Medical Center
Las Vegas, Nevada

Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center
Mattoon, Illinois

Johns Hopkins
Baltimore, Maryland

Congratulations to our Q1 winners!

Q1 Shining Star Winner

Scott Morgan has been here for six months. In our small lab of two staff, he worked with the only other echo tech, who was struggling to get registered. Scott came in 30 minutes early every morning for four months, on his own time, to tutor my staff member to prepare her for taking her registry. With his patient and expert knowledge base, he helped her to pass her exam. His professional manner and supportive nature has helped within the lab as well. We are building a new hospital and his suggestions to improve the format of the echo rooms was appreciated and implemented. He assisted in determining the best echo machines for the lab when we had to decide which systems to purchase. He is an expert scanner and has improved the quality within the lab. I appreciate his wealth of knowledge and experience and only wish I could get him to stay permanently. He is a shining star and an asset to any place he goes.
Laura Decker, Hiring Manager
Martha Jefferson Hospital
Charlottesville, Virginia

Q1 Shining Star Nominees

Q1 Place To Be Winner

After three consecutive assignments at Progress West Hospital, I have to say it is not only the best travel assignment I have ever had, but the best acute care hospital I have ever worked for. From the friendly and professional staff to the caring and involved management, the whole team is a pleasure to be around on a daily basis. Progress West enjoys some of the highest patient satisfaction scores in the country and the highest of all the BJC HealthCare facilities and it is not surprising. Patients are always commenting on the awesome efficiency and compassion of this hospital. I could go on and on about this organization and the people who work here. It has definitely left an impression on me and makes me want to perform at my highest level. The radiologists' group working with Progress West are some of the most helpful, professional and concerned that I have ever had the pleasure to work with.
Stacey Spivey
Vascular Sonographer

Q1 Place To Be Nominees

Centennial Medical Center
Frisco, Texas

Clinton Memorial Hospital
Wilmington, Ohio

Copley Hospital
Morrisville, Vermont

Firelands Regional Medical Center
Sandusky, Ohio

Flagstaff Medical Center
Flagstaff, Arizona

Glenridge Nursing Care Facility
Medford, Massachusetts

Huntington Hospital Outpatient Physical Therapy
Pasadena, California

West Texas Rehab Center, San Angelo
San Angelo, Texas