Last month, employees across the health system celebrated the annual Penn Medicine Experience (PMX) Week. At PPMC, a jam-packed schedule of activities gave staff a chance to relax, honor the accomplishments of their colleagues, and re-energize their efforts to be compassionate, present, empowered, collaborative, and accountable. This year’s PMX Week also marked the beginning of a new initiative to highlight one BE Standard each year, starting with compassion — the foundation for excellent patient care and trusting professional relationships.
“This week serves as a thank you for our staff’s dedication to living the BE Standards every day and enhancing the Penn Medicine experience,” said administrative fellow Amy Schwartz, who led the PMX Week Committee with Ryan Dougherty, MBA, RN, assistant executive director of Penn Medicine University City. “Whether you’re going the extra mile to comfort a patient or giving directions to a visitor with a smile, practicing compassion even in small ways allows us to build better connections and improve how we deliver care.”
A continental breakfast served by members of leadership kicked off the festivities, and the Singing City Choir and Presby Pooches visited throughout the week. Managers distributed gifts to their teams as a token of thanks, and a photo booth was set up in the Atwood Café. Ice cream socials, chair massages, and a Fun Cart were available day and night to ensure night-shift staff didn’t miss the excitement. Staff were also encouraged to build self-care into their schedules by attending hourly yoga sessions or a seminar on healthy and happy living.
As the week came to a close, the PMX Week Committee and Patient & Guest Relations team hosted the 11th Annual Patient Advocacy Awards, which recognized PPMC’s most passionate patient advocates. Staff submitted stories about colleagues they have witnessed going above and beyond to provide patient- and family-centered care, and Joshua Barnes, MSN, RN, CEN; Kim Calhoun, RN, MSN, CCRN; Cynthia Duncan; Denise Gilanelli, RN, BSN, MS; Diane Gorman, MSN, CRNP-BC; Sean Harbison, MD; Julie Kershner; Rachel Koster; Anita Lee, MD; Leonard Mancini, MSN, BS, RN; Selece Owens, MBA; Afi Peele; and Stephanie Sebastian, DTR, were all honored at the ceremony.
Thank you to everyone who made this year’s PMX Week such a great success, and for consistently showing compassion to your patients and peers alike!