Every month, PPMC staff members who embody Service, Teamwork, Achievement, and Respect are named Presby STARs. In addition to earning recognition from their colleagues, these outstanding all-stars also receive a certificate from CEO Michele Volpe and a $100 award.
STARs like radiology technician Sue McPaul-Curran understand that sometimes the simplest gestures can make someone’s day. When a young man required surgery following a motorcycle accident, she quickly bonded with him over an unexpected coincidence: The patient and McPaul-Curran’s husband are from the same county in Ireland. Because COVID-19 prevented his loved ones from visiting, McPaul-Curran took it upon herself to stop by the patient’s room each night with some Irish tea. Her kindness, generosity, and willingness to go above and beyond to share some of the comforts of home were deeply appreciated.
And it’s not just patients who notice that PPMC’s STARs consistently go the extra mile. Maria Strack, a clinical resource coordinator on the Case Management/Social Work team, was nominated by the HUP Emergency Department team after she assisted them in tracking down the family of a frequent patient who was struggling with homelessness. Strack discovered that he had been missing from home for months, and his family — who lived in a different state — had been searching for him to no avail. Strack helped the patient’s father travel to Philadelphia and, on her day off, contacted the EDs throughout the health system to ensure that if the patient came in, he could stay there until his father picked up him. Strack’s empathy, determination, inter-departmental collaboration, and advocacy paved the way for the patient to be safely reunited with his family and reconnect with his primary medical team.
Thank you to all of our STARs for your unwavering commitment and compassion. You are an inspiration to your patients, colleagues, and community!
JANUARY 2021
- Akei Johnson — Guest Services
- Lisa Long, BSN, RN, CCRN — Cardiology
- Sue McPaul-Curran — Radiology
- Lynise Ransom-Collier, BSN, RN, — Case Management/Social Work
- Maria Strack — Case Management/Social Work
FEBRUARY 2021
- Theresa Bullock — Environmental Services
- Luis Gonzalez — Central Registration
- Jenna Mechalas, RN — Cupp 3 South
- Katelyn Prostak, RN — Cupp 5 East
- Erika Witmore, CNA — Nursing Administration