2021 Department of Internal Medicine Staff Excellence Awards
Each year, the Department of Internal Medicine highlights our outstanding staff and team members with our Staff Excellence Awards. These individuals are nominated by their peers and demonstrate excellence in these categories: Outstanding Achievement and Performance, Personal Interaction, and Initiative and Creativity. From the group of nominations, a Staff Excellence Awards committee selects five staff members to receive this prestigious award for their efforts in 2021.
We are pleased to present our 5 award winners.
DJ Harper
DJ Harper is an Administrative Manager in the Division of Hematology. Of DJ, his nominators commented that he is a “self-starter and extremely motivated in his job and he always has the needs of others in the forefront of his mind when executing any task. They praised his efforts in helping hire and onboard new employees, especially during the height of the pandemic. They noted his “extreme kindness and proficiency” that makes all who come in contact with him happier. Well done, DJ. And congratulations.
Dora Miller
Our next award winner is Dora Miller. From APCs to Fellows to Faculty, Dora has made an impact - as evidenced by her 19 nominations! Each one was a testament to her invaluable contributions to our department as the Fellowship Programs Manager.
The Fellowship program would not be the same without Dora. One person wrote, “I completed my fellowship after a number of years as a faculty member. Working through my fellowship was one of the hardest things I have done in my career, and there were a number of times that I needed support and flexibility. Dora was professional, compassionate and understanding every time. Her work with the fellows brings her a lot of joy and it shows.” You can call Dora at any time. She is a second parent to many of the fellows and will always help. Dora, the sheer number of your nominations are a testament to your impact on the Department. Thank you and congratulations.
Jennifer Schroff
Our next winner is Jennifer Schroff, an Executive Assistant from the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine. Jennifer is the administrative assistant for close to 10 cardiology MD and APC providers!
Jen was a rockstar during recent faculty recruitments. Dr. Wilson wrote, “During [the candidates] two day visits, she kept track of them the entire time and made sure that everything went well. Wherever there were deficiencies in the schedule, she would fill in. She was picking them up at their hotel, transporting them to the hospital for interviews, driving them to offsite locations. I know that Jen played a large role in communicating a positive image of the University to both of these candidates. Jennifer is one of several quiet, not well recognized reasons that we were able to sign these top two recruits.” Congratulations, Jen, on this well-deserved award.
Sharla Watts
Our fourth winner is Sharla Watts, an Academic Program Manager in the Division of General Internal Medicine. Sharla was nominated twice and both nominators commented on Sharla’s positive and collaborative spirit. “Sharla helps faculty members with scheduling clinical as well as academic duties, and always responds promptly and cheerfully. She has made a huge impact on our ability to recruit successfully. She efficiently arranges interviews and recruitment visits, and serves as a great ambassador for our division. Visiting faculty always comment on her proficiency, warmth, and engagement”
Sharla exudes creativity. She has adapted to the demands of the ever-changing landscape of COVID-19. Dr. Doxey wrote of how Sharla was able to quickly re-arrange his schedule during COVID surges, both in helping to reschedule patients with other physicians, or postponing appointments. Sharla’s help is invaluable in General Internal Medicine. Congratulations, Sharla.
Taylor Mazzacavallo
Our final award winner is Taylor Mazzacavallo, a Fellowship Coordinator in DOIM’s Central Administration. Taylor has brought excellent new ideas to the fellowship. She helped streamline the interview process and which led to interview slots filling up in a matter of 48 hours for the 2021-2022 recruitment season.
She embodies the spirit of the Department’s education mission, pushing herself and encouraging others to do their best. Dr. Carey writes, “I cannot say enough about how Taylor has improved the fellowship experience for our fellows. She has significantly improved my job. I feel that we are a much stronger program because of Taylor and her push to constantly go the extra mile.” Taylor, we give you this award for your incredible efforts.