The University of Kansas Health System

Congratulations to Tonya Hicks Burdette, unit secretary, Labor and Delivery, on receiving the Levin Family Excellence in Caring Award. Lauren Timmons, call center nurse consultant, who nominated Burdette for the award, says “Tonya is often seen getting patient’s drinks, offering a smile, making them laugh, singing happy birthday or praying with patients, if requested.” Burdette was nominated for helping a non-English, Swahili speaking patient through a difficult birth. In July, Burdette saw and participated in her first baby delivery. “She did not have a partner or support person. While we have a language line it can sometimes be limited with access to languages such as Swahili,” says Timmons. “So, to put it in perspective, this patient was alone, in significant pain and putting her trust in medical staff who did not speak her language. I can only imagine how incredibly isolating and scary this is. I cannot say how Tonya became involved, but it was divine." This award recognizes individuals in any support role, not covered by other recognition, who demonstrate extraordinary levels of care, professionalism and leadership.

Forbes recently recognized The University of Kansas Health System as No. 10 in the nation — and No. 4 among healthcare and social service organizations — on its list of America's Best Large Employers for 2024. No other hospital or health system in the region was ranked in the large employer category. Learn more. ?? https://bit.ly/4hMXucC

Congratulations to unit coordinator Natalie Powers, RN, winner of ImageFIRST's fourth annual HeroesFIRST contest. After receiving more than 470 nominations, 20 healthcare heroes were selected as finalists. Votes were cast by the public for the hero who inspired them the most. Powers’ nomination says, “Natalie Powers has served as a unit coordinator... at the health system for more than 10 years. She is highly respected and admired by her colleagues and is seen as a nurturing presence, akin to a mother figure for many of the nurses, due to her caring and engaging nature. Natalie consistently rises to any challenge. She remains a constant source of support and light to her team and patients, even when unseen. Natalie, you are an incredible leader, nurse and friend.” ImageFIRST is a national provider of linen rental, laundry and facility services. Their customer advocates recognize exceptional healthcare heroes who go above and beyond to impact the lives of their patients positively. Jordan Page, an ImageFirst employee who nominated Powers, presented her with her reward during her night shift on October 23.

Congratulations to the physicians who were recognized by Kansas City's Ingram's Magazine as 2024 Top Doctors: Jeffrey Burns, MD, neurology; John Feehan, MD, family medicine; and Moben Mirza, MD, urologic oncology. See the full list: https://bit.ly/4ege2qc The Kansas City metro is fortunate to have many excellent physicians caring for our communities. The University of Kansas Health System alone has more than 1,000 physicians, many among the best in their fields. Every day, they collaborate with colleagues, staff and patients to improve and save lives. They lead specialized teams and programs to provide care for people with routine and complex or rare conditions. They also train the next generation of care providers, many of whom will stay in this region. We thank them all and salute our Top Doctors.

When you or a loved one faces a cancer diagnosis, only one thing matters... Finding answers and treating your type of cancer. Please help advance personalized cancer care close to home with your gift to The University of Kansas Health System. Learn more. ?? https://bit.ly/3Y0O3Nw

NATIONAL DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT AWARENESS MONTH??? Hear from Jeff Novorr, Vice President of Hospitality Services at The University of Kansas Health System on what he has learned about employing individuals with disabilities. KU Health System Division of Hospitality Services the winner of our 2024 NDSC Employer of the Year award! Click here to read the full article:?https://lnkd.in/egpnRFwE #NDSC #downsyndrome #nationaldisabilityemploymentawarenessmonth #TellMeMoreTuesday #TellMeMoreNDSC #TellMeMoreTellMeMore #TMMT

Your support at this critical time will help us continue to advance the ways we prevent, diagnose and treat cancer. Your gift will help provide patients more options for care, more solutions and more paths for hope. Learn more. ?? https://bit.ly/3Y0O3Nw