August means the end of summer vacation and a busy month at our clinics as everyone prepares to head back to school. These employees stood out to become our August Shining STAR Employees of the Month. Congratulations to our winners:

(DRUMROLL)

  • WEST: CHRIS MASTERS

  • EAST: LESLIE WARD, MD

Each month across the Healthy Connections Community Health Network, exemplary employees are nominated for this award for representing our Three Pillars: Excellence, Compassion, and Community. These pillars are considered heavily when choosing winners.

As winners of this Shining STAR award, Chris and Dr. Ward are winners of a $50 gift card.

Chris is the Network Administrator over Information Technology services throughout the Community Health Network. Dr. Ward is a primary care physician at the Hot Springs Central clinic.

  • In his short time with the organization, Chris has truly made a difference for our patients and employees. Managing an IT healthcare network can be very challenging, but Chris makes the difficult appear easy. He is a good steward of organizational resources and leads his team in providing exceptional customer service. He thoughtfully reviews processes and figures out the most efficient and effective way to solve problems. His leadership and professionalism have been instrumental in making sure our employees are able to care for our patients.
  • Patient-focused, an educator, and a soothing personality when things get hectic. I feel she has a special relationship with every employee in this clinic and supports our APRNs. Ward is a strong patient advocate. She comes to work with a smile on her face every day and is available at the drop of a hat to assist employees with anything that they need. She goes above and beyond to ensure that her collaborating providers can come to her with any needs they may have whether they be procedural and company questions, or for her professional opinion regarding patient care. Her bedside manner is second to none and she forms a relationship with each patient that comes through the door. Dr. Ward stands tall amongst healthcare professionals and is more than deserving of the recognition that comes with employee of the month.

Congratulations to both Chris and Dr. Ward.

Thanks again this month to everyone who nominated an employee. There were a lot of great nominations. Do you know who should be our next employees to be recognized? You can nominate them by visiting https://www.healthy-connections.org/nominate.