April 26, 2002

Ann Quinn is a humble person. When asked if she was excited about being the 2002 recipient of the Pamela J. Ellis Memorial Secretarial Award for her work as chief secretary for the MGH Stroke Service, she responded, "I don't think I've done anything special. The rest of the people I work with should be recognized as well. It's not just one person who makes things run," she says.

But others who work with Quinn tell a different story. In fact, according to a nomination letter written by J. Philip Kistler, MD, director of the Stroke Service and Quinn's boss, she has been the "center pin" of the service for the 20 years she has worked in the department. "Succinctly put, without her the hospital and we would not have a Stroke Service," he said. "For the 13 physicians serving on the service, Ms. Quinn's diligent, thorough, reliable, honest and intuitive supervision of the patient management administrative issues and her leadership of the two secretaries serving under her simply allows the service to accomplish its patient care mission. My colleagues and I feel that Ms. Quinn is the Stroke Service."

This outstanding performance exemplifies the kind of employee who is selected for the Pam Ellis Award, which is given annually to a support staff member in recognition of National Secretary's Day. The award was named for Pamela J. Ellis, an executive secretary at the MGH, who died in October 1996 at the age of 31. The $1,000 award was established in 1997 to honor employees who exhibit the same excellent qualities and work values demonstrated by Ellis during her tenure.

The award was presented to Quinn at the Secretarial/Clerical Staff Day luncheon held under the Bulfinch Tent April 24. The 50 other award nominees also were honored.

James J. Mongan, MD, MGH president, with Quinn