The community joined the Schneider Regional Medical Center family in showing its appreciation for the Myrah Keating Smith Community Health Center staff at a reception on Thursday morning, May 10, in the health center parking lot.
In conjunction with National Hospital Week and National Nurses Week, Schneider Regional officials recognized the entire MKSCHC staff for their dedication to the facility and the community.
“It’s important for us to set aside time to recognize the excellent staff we have here at Myrah Keating, from nursing to clinical to support personnel,” said Amos Carty, Schneider Regional’s chief operating officer. “Myrah Keating is very special to us and to the community. We wanted our staff to know that we appreciate them.”
The high level of health care at the medical center, which includes both MKSCHC and Roy Lester Schneider Hospital in St. Thomas, is only possible because of the staff, explained Schneider Regional’s Chief Executive Officer Rodney Miller.
“It’s all about the employees,” said Miller. “It’s about what we do each day to take care of our patients. It’s a wonderful opportunity for all of us to get together and thank our staff.”
“It’s important for all of us to recognize how hard this staff works,” added MKSCHC Administrator Harold Wallace.
Vanterpool Is Employee of Year
In addition to handing out certificates of recognition to a variety of staff members, from nurses to security personnel, Wallace presented a plaque to 13-year MKSCHC employee Movel Vanterpool who was chosen as Employee of the Year.
The entire health center staff voted on the award and Vanterpool, a billing specialist, came out as the clear winner due to her dedication and patience, according to MKSCHC physician Dr. Elizabeth Barot.
“She is a very hard working lady,” said Barot about Vanterpool. “She has all the answers and always takes the time for people who need her help.”
Vanterpool was overjoyed by her recognition.
“I feel great,” said Vanterpool. “It really makes me feel like all my hard work is worth it.”
The close-knit feeling at St. John’s intimate health center was evident in the smiles and embraces the staff had for one another. While working at MKSCHC most definitely has its challenges, it hardly feels like work to one long-time physician.
Barot Still Loves Job
“I just love my job,” said 22-year MKSCHC physician Barot. “It’s not a job, it’s my life really. I don’t come in here and get down or anything — I love it when I come here.”
“This day is just wonderful,” Barot added.
MKSCHC’s other dedicated physician Dr. Joseph DeJames was also recognized at the ceremony.
V.I. National Park Acting Superintendent Martha Bogle presented DeJames with a plaque commemorating his work as the Park’s Emergency Medical Specialist.
Following the employee recognition ceremony, MKSCHC staff and the community enjoyed a complimentary meal and the sweet sounds of Love City’s own Paradise People.
Women’s Health Fair Canceled
The reception made up for the cancellation of the planned Women’s Health Fair, which was scheduled for Wednesday, May 9, at the health center. Scheduling problems forced hospital personnel to cancel the planned fair, explained Wallace.
“It comes down to OB-GYN and skilled nursing individuals being involved and their schedules were completely booked,” Wallace said. “I can’t conduct women’s health day without the skilled individuals in that particular area. I had to cancel the health fair because we have to have specific women’s health folks there.”
“We will bring it back next year bigger and better,” Wallace continued. “I decided if I couldn’t do it right, I had to cancel it.”
