A Chickasaw Nation Division of Health team, led by Chris Tharp, director of health planning, recently received a National Indian Health Service Director's Award for overseeing the completion of the Chickasaw Nation Medical Center.
The 11-member health planning project team also received an Oklahoma City Area Director's Exceptional Group Performance award during the July 21 award ceremony at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.
The team was responsible for overseeing the planning, construction, equipping and completion of the Medical Center, the first hospital joint venture project between a Native American tribe and IHS. The Medical Center opened its doors August 2010 to offer top-notch health care to Chickasaws and Native Americans.
Several other Chickasaw Nation Division of Health employees were also honored during the ceremony.
"These awards recognize and honor the exceptional service our employees provide to our patients," said Chickasaw Nation Gov. Bill Anoatubby. "While it is important to offer the best technology and medical equipment available, it is equally important that our staff meets the cultural and emotional needs so vital to the healing process and well-being of the patient."
Debbie Jackson, customer relations director for the Medical Center, was honored with the Excellence in Customer Service Award. She has served in the position for 16 years. She effectively communicates with patients, visitors, employees and vendors to ensure satisfaction. She also tracks customer service results and supervises the hospital gift shop, volunteer auxiliary, front desk operations and chaplain services.
Dr. Richard McClain, Jr. received the IHS Merit Award. He has served as chief of obstetrics and gynecology at the Medical Center for eight years and has served as chief of surgical services for four years. He provides direct patient care, supervises other health care providers and promotes overall excellent care.
Winners of the Peer Recognition Awards were Kerri Christian, John C. Joines, Valerie McDonald, Bill Shephard and John Wootten.
Ms. Christian, outpatient coder for the Purcell Health Clinic since 2005, displays outstanding performance in assuring timely coding for billing as well as assisted in development and implementation of a daily error list to assist nurse manager in reducing errors and deficiencies.
Mr. Joines is the pharmacy supervisor at the Durant Health Clinic. He motivates his department by exhibiting professionalism and a positive attitude while increasing productivity and reducing wait time for patients.
Ms. McDonald has been serving as the nurse manager at the Ardmore Health Clinic for the last nine months. She is passionate about helping patients and is true example of a team player.
Mr. Shephard has served as the radiologic technologist in the Imaging Services Department at the Tishomingo Health Clinic for 22 years. He has worked hard to streamline processes and to improve the efficiency of his department.
Mr. Wootten is the systems administration manager for information technology at the Medical Center. He works hard to ensure that the tribe has a well-run and maintained health IT department.
Awards were also presented to employees exhibiting long standing service to IHS, tribal and urban clinics.
Glenda Huffman, William T. Schultz and Larry E. Wood received the 35-year service awards.
Vernon Buck, Elaine Fennell, Gail Glase, Shirley Jones and Willie Spann were recognized for their 30-year service.
Team members responsible for overseeing the completion of the Chickasaw Nation Medical Center are Chris Tharp, director of health planning and equipment planner; Bill Brooks, project manager; Richard Roland, quality assurance inspector; Michael Wafford, quality assurance inspector; Chrishan Cooley, administrative assistant; Drue Martin, furniture and equipment planner; Ricky Ellis, maintenance; Sammy Wilson, maintenance; James Ludlow, maintenance; Martin Wright, maintenance and Paul Elliott, maintenance.
