March 9, 2007

STARs shine brightly in Department of Surgery

Standing, from left, Warshaw, Stenger, Cruz, Pasniewski, Powell, Mahoney, Guerriero; seated, Neyhard, Da Venda, Nadeau and Gonzalez

Colleagues and administrators from the Department of Surgery gathered to honor sixteen of their "STAR" employees with a luncheon Feb. 23 in the Gray Building's Sweet Room. The annual Surgery Tribute and Recognition (STAR) program, now in its fourth year, encourages individuals to nominate non-physician employees in the Department of Surgery whose dedication and contributions to the department have been truly exemplary. Andrew L. Warshaw, MD, surgeon-in-chief, spoke at the event, applauding the honorees for their work in maintaining the highest standards of service in one of the country's largest surgery departments.

"Keeping the clinical, research and education missions moving forward means that everyone at every interface must be thoughtful, committed and caring," said Warshaw. "The department is fortunate to have such a wonderful staff. The STAR program recognizes those who contribute so much to our patients, our work and ultimately our overall success."

The 2006 awardees are Jonathan Goodwin of Thoracic Surgery; Harold Cruz of the Center for Laryngeal Surgery and Voice Rehabilitation; Karla Stenger of Transplant Surgery; Erika DaVenda of Vascular Surgery; Tom Pasniewski of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery; Nancy Neyhard, Iraida Gonzalez and Kristin Powell of General Surgery; Patricia Blanco, Yong Li Chen and Cheryl D'Amore of the Surgical Clinic; and the Thoracic Surgery front desk team: Diane Croteau, Patricia Guerriero, Fran Mahoney, Paulette Nadeau and Peg Patsch.

STAR awardees are chosen quarterly and honored annually. Nominations for the 2007 STAR program are welcomed from anyone who has experienced excellent service or
outstanding care from a Department of Surgery employee. To obtain a nomination form, e-mail Debjani Banerji at dbanerji@partners.org.