After taking time away from the VMTH to study for my MBA degree at the University of Georgia, I am excited to be back at the hospital and hope to interact with as many of you as possible in the year ahead. I want to thank Drs. Kate Hopper and Josh Stern for stepping up in my absence and providing excellent leadership. I also want to thank Joy Hoover and Drs. Mary Beth Whitcomb, Bill Vernau and Erik Wisner for their continued leadership as directors. I am thrilled to hear that Dr. Whitcomb has decided to continue in her role as Large Animal Clinic director, as we seek new leadership for the large animal hospital. I have continually been apprised of the hospital’s successes while away, and I want to thank and congratulate all of you for your achievements in 2019. Please continue to nominate your colleagues for our Focused Recognition Award Program, as well as submitting clinical cases that highlight our key cultural pillars. Your stories exemplifying those beliefs inspire the rest of us to put forth our best as we care for patients and clients. Individual efforts strengthen and empower the entire hospital.
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Dr. Jane Sykes
Chief Veterinary Medical Officer
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The hospital’s Focused Recognition Award Program provides an opportunity to highlight our ongoing Cultural Journey and recognize those who have provided remarkable progress within our five Cultural Beliefs: One Team, Trusted Dialogue, Pursue Excellence, Realize Our Vision, and Value People.
January recipients:
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Robert Collins, an Animal Health Technician in the Neurology/ Neurosurgery Service, was recognized for demonstrating the Cultural Beliefs of
Pursue Excellence and
One Team, which contributed to the Key Results of
Excellence in Patient Care and
Client/rDVM Satisfaction. “Robert has been implementing purple cards for the racks for the Neuro Service. This has been a tremendous help to the service, doctors, clients, coordinators, and Client Services. Robert is valued for his ‘Go To’ attitude and willingness to help. He always has a smile and is an asset to the VMTH!”
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Brenda Sissom, the Personnel Supervisor in Human Resources, was recognized for demonstrating the Cultural Beliefs of
Pursue Excellence and
One Team, which contributed to the Key Result of
Employee Engagement through exceptional customer service. “I was having difficulty entering CTO and holiday pay in Ecotime. With Brenda’s expertise of the system, she was able to resolve the problem and ensure everyone’s pay was correct. She is always helpful when I call and have questions regarding time cards and always finds the solution.”
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Key Cultural Pillar
"Realize Our Vision"
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When long-time VMTH clients
Ken and Anna Zankel adopted Dexter, a dog with a history of hip problems, they talked to the Orthopedic Surgery Service’s referral coordinator Theresa Varland, whom they’d known for years. Theresa suggested they meet with surgeon Dr. Denis Marcellin-Little—one of the nation’s foremost authorities on hip replacements—to discuss options for Dexter. Dr. Marcellin-Little ultimately performed a sophisticated hip replacement on Dexter using a custom, 3D-printed titanium implant. The Zankels have been philanthropic partners with the school for many years, and the hospital’s efforts with Dexter went a long way to extend that relationship. Their generosity directly benefitted Dr. Marcellin-Little’s practice with the donation of a 3D printer which will help extend his research and clinical translational care to aid future surgeries. These types of donations allow clinicians to expand their cutting-edge procedures and continue to push the limits of veterinary medicine. With the help of benefactors like the Zankels, innovators like Dr. Marcellin-Little will be able to realize their vision, as they integrate teaching, research, and clinical activities into compassionate care that will transform more lives like Dexter’s.
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- VMC Phase I: Construction on the new Feline Treatment and Housing Suite (Ward 3 redesign) is nearing completion, with finishing touches being applied to the walls and the installation of cages, cabinets and other equipment to follow. We anticipate the room to be complete in February and look forward to the increased efficiency it will provide our technicians as they care for hospitalized cats.
- This year, we will be working to refine and implement the structure of the hospital’s leadership. Stay tuned for an email announcement regarding a townhall together with materials for your consideration in advance of that event. We will be seeking input from everyone in the VMTH using a variety of communication mechanisms. Implementation is planned for the beginning of the next fiscal year.
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