Three earn accolades as top employees at the Milwaukee VA
Three Milwaukee VA Medical Center employees who went above and beyond in the course of their duties garnered honors during the medical center's annual Employee of the Year and I CARE Champion of the Year ceremony Friday.
Jamie Shimek and Brad Gawinski, lead primary care medical service assistants for the Northeastern Wisconsin Ambulatory Clinics, shared the Employee of the Year award, while physical therapist Dr. Carl Meyer earned the I CARE Champion of the Year award.
Putting Veterans first
Shimek and Gawinski discovered a reporting discrepancy that was adversely affecting patient scheduling. Their diligence led to an improved process and more effective scheduling.
But they were lauded for more than that.
“Jamie and Brad constantly are problem-solving with MSAs, clinicians and Veterans,” according to their nomination. “Their ability to apply complex circumstances and provide best outcomes and guidance is top tier.”
They often solve scheduling dilemmas and Veteran issues while also working with various clinicians.
“Jamie and Brad always put the Veteran and Veteran experience first, many times challenging the status quo or an assumption, spurring additional conversation to improve Veteran care.”
The pair also take on additional duties and volunteer work: Gawinski volunteers with employee wellness and primary care groups and is a controlled substance inspector. Shimek is part of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association and has worked with Prevent Suicide Fox Cities and Pearly Gates Veterans Benefit events.
Innovative and compassionate
Meyer, neurological physical therapist mentor and rehabilitative lead for the ALS clinic, was cited for his innovation and compassionate care for ALS patients.
"ALS is a diagnosis that demands significant care," according to his nomination. "Dr. Meyer has demonstrated innovation by proposing updates to equipment ... and has gained recognition from the medical team in the ALS clinic for delivering not only top-tier care but also the compassion needed to support Veterans with ALS and their challenges."
Meyer was also lauded as a VA ambassador who guest lectures at colleges and graduate schools.
As one of two outpatient neurological residency mentors, Meyer observes residents’ skills and provides “valuable feedback to enhance their abilities in delivering superior care to Veterans.”
“Dr. Meyer’s commitment to serving our Veterans is sincerely respected, and his performance is a true demonstration of the high care values that we cherish and treasure.”
Investing in employees
Friday’s ceremony honored all of the Employee of the Month and I CARE Champion of the Month winners from 2023.
It also served as reminder that honoring employees for not only doing their jobs, but also going above and beyond, is key to delivering top-notch patient care on a daily basis and important for the overall health of any organization.
“When we celebrate our employees’ achievements, we do more than just acknowledge their hard work; we ignite a chain reaction that elevates the entire Veteran experience,” said Gabriel Galloway, co-chair of the Veterans Experience Council.
“When employees feel valued, their motivation to deliver outstanding customer service is boosted, leading to higher levels of customer satisfaction. It's a virtuous cycle: Happy employees create happy customers.
“So let us commit to recognizing our employees, not just as workers, but as the key drivers of customer satisfaction. Let's invest in their excellence. For doing so, we invest in the very essence of what makes Veterans return time and time again.”