Congratulations to Cooper’s 2011 Spirit of Planetree Award winners, whose nominations were based on recommendations from their departmental colleagues and members of other departments and disciplines. Voting from among 20 nominees, members of the Planetree Steering Committee announced the winners on August 22, 2011.
The Spirit of Planetree Awards promote patient and family-centered care by recognizing those who personalize and demystify the healthcare experience for Cooper patients.
As a Planetree affiliate, Cooper is able to nominate a Physician Champion and a Caregiver of the Year to be recognized at the Planetree annual conference. This year’s conference will be held in October, in Nashville, Tenn.
PHYSICIAN CHAMPION 2011
Mark Angelo, MD, FACP
Director for Palliative Medicine
“While always a true patient advocate committed to the holistic approach to patient care, it has been Dr. Angelo’s development of the patient-centered Palliative Careprogram at Cooper that best exemplifies his attention to caring for the whole patient.”
CAREGIVER OF THE YEAR AWARD
Mary Evers, LSW
Case Management
“Mary’s tireless efforts to eliminate barriers for patients and families are incredible. She founded and implemented a NICU support group for our families. Mary is also an educator and a staunch advocate for protection of victims of domestic violence.
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD
Walter Baker
Same Day Surgery – Camden
“Walt has been a volunteer for 16 years transporting our patients to surgery. He’s always smiling and offers to pitch in even when he’s not on the schedule. When our patients arrive, they are very apprehensive and after Walt has interacted with them, they are often smiling and much more relaxed.
PET THEARAPY ANIMAL AWARD
“Springer”
Owner: Rachelle Sher
“Springer was nominated for being such a comfort to our children on Pediatrics and for making so many of our patients and employees smile! Thank you to volunteer Rachelle Shur for all you and Springer do for our Cooper patients.
Cooper also wishes to congratulate and thank all of the award nominees, whose work and commitment to Cooper patients reflects the spirit of Planetree.
The nominees were:
PHYSICIAN CHAMPION NOMINEES:
- Steven DaTorre, MD Community Physician Cardiology
CAREGIVER OF THEYEAR NOMINEES
- Suzanne Butler, RN Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
- Debbie Cannon, RN Trauma
- Marilyn Cohen Coordinator of theCooper Regional Cleft and Craniofacial Program
- Joan D’Antonio Director of Nursing Education
- Mae Frances King Case Management
- Jack Leshnov Social Worker Emergency Department
- Bob Lumpe Pastoral Care Director
- Maria Perez Patient Relations Department
- Robert L. Phillips Production Craftsman IIMaintenance
- Kathleen Rauch Practice Coordinator Gynocology/Oncology
- Elsa Ruiz Patient Services Representative Digestive Health Institute
- Deborah E. Schoch RNC, Lactation Consultant/Coordinator of Childbirth Education
- Patricia Stienes Radiology
- Lorraine Sweeney Pediatric Neurology Nurse Educator
- Nora Vizzacaro NP, CNNP Pediatrics
