Employee Achievement, Dedication, and Commitment to IHP Mission Celebrated at Pillars of Excellence Awards
It’s the time of year when MGH Institute of Health Professions celebrates achievement, excellence, dedication, and the collective commitment to the graduate school’s mission. On Thursday, April 7, the Institute community came together at 1CW and online to celebrate the Pillars of Excellence Awards, a hybrid event that honored nine individuals and three teams for what they accomplished in 2021.
“Everyone being honored today has made a contribution that connects to our important mission of preparing health professionals and scientists to advance care for diverse society through leadership in education, clinical practice, research, and community engagement,” said President Paula Milone-Nuzzo. “To all of the honorees today, I say congratulations and thank you for your tangible commitment to making the IHP better place to work and learn.”
Dr. Anne Klibanski, president and CEO of Mass General Brigham, which co-presented the awards, delivered virtual remarks, telling the live and online audiences that the Pillars of Excellence Awards celebrate the exceptional work that benefits patients, communities, and each other. “The past two years have been very difficult as we navigated the challenges of this pandemic,” she said. “But every day I see amazing acts of compassion, collegiality and kindness. I am very proud to be a part of this incredible organization and I am so grateful for all you do.”
“Everyone being honored today has made a contribution that connects to our important mission of preparing health professionals and scientists to advance care for diverse society through leadership in education, clinical practice, research, and community engagement,” said President Paula Milone-Nuzzo. “To all of the honorees today, I say congratulations and thank you for your tangible commitment to making the IHP better place to work and learn.”
Occupational Therapy faculty Jessica Asiello and Kim Erler were recognized with a Pillars of Excellence Award for an Massachusetts General Hospital team they were a part of: OT Left Ventricular Assistive Device Task Force. That award was recognized at the MGH ceremony.
The Pillars of Excellence Awards were presented to the following individuals and teams.
Award Category: Integrating Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Guy is an integral member of the Institute community, serving on multiple committees, task forces and subcommittees that engage in and champion Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion initiatives. She helped develop the organization’s commitment statement for equity and anti-oppression, was part of an action research project on creating anti-oppressive and equitable classroom spaces and leads the faculty book club focused on JEDI issues. Guy says yes to any request, provides critical and caring feedback and mentors students, staff, and faculty across the Institute.
Genetic Counseling
Award Category: Advancing Innovation & Progress
Allison led the Genetic Counseling department to national recognition for the quantity and quality of research conducted by the Master of Science Genetic Counseling students. Novel research projects produced from this program are impacting the field of genetic counseling and medical genetics in innovative ways, particularly related to Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. The impact of Allison’s excellence includes students receiving research and scholarship opportunities that foster clinical and research success and more prospective students interested in applying to the Institute.
Financial Aid
Award Category: Commitment to an Exceptional Student Experience
There can be lots of fear regarding financial aid, but Alexis makes the whole process easier with her friendly demeanor and deep knowledge. She advises students individually on their specific situations and helps them to develop the best individual financial plan. In addition to meeting one-on-one with students, she also conducts group seminars on topics such as Student Loan Repayment. Her easy nature, reassuring manner and constant commitment to students make Alexis an amazing resource, not only for the financial aid office, but the entire Institute community.
School of Nursing
Award Category: Integrating Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Eleonor was the first faculty member of color at the Institute. She supports countless graduates of color and is devoted to retaining these students. Her mentorship of students on the cusp of deciding whether to stay in their academic programs helps keep them at the Institute. These students then go on to work in the nursing profession and embody Eleonor’s caring and empathetic nature. She has an immense impact and improves the work of everyone she interacts with.
Information Technology
Award Category: Enhancing Efficiency
Jeff is the go-to person for providing support at the Help Desk. His responsiveness and ability to get systems up and running again in record time makes him an invaluable resource. Jeff’s ability to quickly troubleshoot computer problems, handle Zoom requests and fix broken printers allows his colleagues to return to their work promptly and with little disruption. His kind and understanding demeanor also help reassure those in need while they face difficult technical issues.
Assistant Professor, PT
Award Category: Integrating Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Keshrie mentors many students of color in the Physical Therapy department, which enriches their experiences at the Institute. She undertook a major project of mapping physical therapy curriculum and ensuring content is aligned with Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion principles. Keshrie is highly committed to the Institute community and leads by example. She serves as a great model in how to engage in JEDI work and has a global reach at the school based on her ability to disseminate best practices and learnings with others.
Office of Strategic Communications
Award Category: Fostering Community
John has spearheaded communication efforts during the pandemic that have truly kept the Institute community together and informed. He is a natural leader and unsung hero, as most members of the community have no idea how much work goes into the publications and digital communications that they rely upon. John is uniquely flexible, helping others with time-sensitive material and complex messages whenever needed. Without John’s consistent dedication and humble leadership, the efforts to maintain community would have been nearly impossible.
Communication Sciences & Disorders
Award Category: Integrating Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Indigo developed an anti-oppressive curriculum for her department. She also assessed the children's books and resources and made recommendations to improve the selections to be more inclusive. She is often sought out by students outside of her department to provide support and guidance. Her suggestions help clients and patients see themselves in the books they read, which improves their experiences. Indigo is committed to the Institute’s Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion principles and is regularly lauded for her efforts.
Award Category: Integrating Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Team Leads: Lesley Maxwell, Communication Sciences and Disorders (pictured)
Katie Mulcahy, Office of Alumni Relations
This team developed a program to pair alumni of color with students of color for mentorship in the master’s program. Matches were created between 12 student mentees and alumni volunteer mentors who identify as persons of color. Feedback from both sides of the pairs has been overwhelmingly positive and there is hope that it will become a model for alumni mentorship programs across the Institute. The efforts have strengthened the Institute’s relationship with alumni while allowing the master's program to respond in a meaningful way to students' expressed desire for building relationships with faculty and alumni who look like them.
School of Nursing
Award Category: Optimizing Collaboration
Kaveri models communication, leadership, organization, and partnership with faculty to facilitate a streamlined learning experience for students. She is an impactful nurse educator who intentionally includes a variety of teaching methods to promote an inclusive learning environment and prepare prelicensure nursing students to care for a diverse population. During the pandemic, she initiated regular virtual meetings to mentor and collaborate with fellow faculty. Kaveri’s hard work has improved the climate, culture, and curriculum at the Institute.
Award Category: Optimizing Collaboration
Team Lead: Rebecca Hill, School of Nursing
This year, Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs were ranked by U.S. News and World Report for the first time, and the Institute’s program ranked in the top 10% in the nation, which is a testament to the tremendous faculty and staff. This team developed strategies for teaching and learning that align with the Baccalaureate Essentials of Nursing Education and the Next Generation licensure new exam requirements. Their model of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion curriculum integration will serve as a national model for curricular improvement. The success of the program and its students wouldn’t be possible without this team’s commitment, dedication, and passion for the delivery of exceptional student experiences.
Award Category: Integrating Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Team Leads:
Lesley Maxwell, Communication Sciences and Disorders (pictured)
Katie Mulcahy, Office of Alumni Relations
In March 2020, when the Institute had to quickly pivot to online learning and clinical training, the LEAP Program switched to a virtual format. The program supports the focused development of interpersonal communication, giving and receiving feedback, and team dynamics, to aid students in individual, team and interprofessional learning. This team reviewed existing programming and deftly restructured the model to be conducted remotely. Even after the shift in the delivery of programming, it continued to receive very positive reviews in student satisfaction surveys.