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From left, Starfish awardees Felicia Kuplast, Katy Black, and Jackie Leyden celebrate with friends and colleagues at the Starfish Awards Ceremony May 10.
When doctors made the difficult decision to discontinue life support of a critically ill patient in the MICU, Katharine Black, MD, senior resident, wanted to ensure the patient’s remaining days were as pleasant as possible. That’s why she placed her iPod, programmed with a soothing assortment of songs, at the patient’s bedside.
Making her patient’s happiness a top priority earned Black a Starfish Award, which honors BWHers committed to care, compassion, respect, advocacy and mentoring. “Katy is one of the kindest and most caring people I ever have worked with,” said Jacqueline Feeney, RN, of the MICU, who nominated Black.
Black was one of six Starfish Award winners recognized at last week’s ceremony. Florence Briones, BSN, RN, of Tower 9, Karl Breuing, MD, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Michael Healey, MD, Internal Medicine, Felicia Kuplast, RN, of the NICU, and Jacqueline Leyden, BSN, RN, of Tower 10AB, also were honored with Starfish Awards for their commitment to patients.
“Any staff member or volunteer can receive a Starfish Award,” Kim Ternavan, RN, MS/MBA, chair of the Starfish Committee, said. “The one trait common in recipients of this award is that they each have done something extra to make a difference to a patient.”
To nominate a colleague for a Starfish award, visit www.bwhpikenotes.org/starfish.asp