1. society
2. welfare
3. healthcare
4. hospital

Vital Signs
m a y
2 0 1 2
A Newsletter for Employees & Friends of Arkansas Children’s Hospital
Special Centennial Themed 2012
Ruth Olive Beall & Betty A. Lowe, M.D., Awards
A very special Centennial edition of the
Ruth Olive Beall and Betty A. Lowe, M.D.,
Awards was held Thursday, April 19 at Chenal Valley Country Club. 2012 marks the
sixth year that the Awards ceremony has
been ACH’s premiere physician recognition
program.
This year’s event was made extra special
by the attendance of former child residents
of the Arkansas Children’s Home and Hosptial Wayne Harris and Dwight Adams. Dr.
Betty A. Lowe, former ACH medical director,
was also on hand to celebrate.
Awards presented to honorees at the
ceremony include the Ruth Olive Beall
Award, an award of highest distinction
named that goes to a physician who consistently displays the ACH Service and Behavioral Standards; the Drs. Joanna J. & Robert W. Seibert Award,
an honor awarded to a physician, clinical service, section or unit
displaying outstanding teamwork, named for physicians who epitomized and promoted teamwork at ACH; the Dr. Tom Ed Townsend
Award, an honor given to an Arkansas community physician who
has provided excellence in healthcare and been a consistent supporter of ACH; and the Betty A. Lowe, MD Award, given to an Arkansan who serves as an advocate for the children of Arkansas.
The 2012 honorees celebrated
at this year’s event are:
Dr. Jerry Jones, recipient of the Ruth Olive Beall Award. Of Dr.
Jones, Dr. Richard Jacobs, president of the Arkansas Children’s Hospital Research Institute, said, “Our honoree is the state’s foremost
medical expert on child abuse and maltreatment. He has helped
establish many of the protocols used for evaluation and treatment
of children who have been abused in Arkansas. Performance, Quality and Presentation; it could be said that the ACH Service and Behavioral Standards were
written with Dr. Jerry Jones as the example. Most importantly to me, Dr. Jerry Jones is a
healer.”
Dr. Mary Aitken, recipient of the Drs. Joanna J. & Robert W. Seibert Award. Dr.
Dennis Kuo said of Dr. Aitken, “She knows and understands the importance of engaging
the community. She has tirelessly led research and project initiatives to reduce the burden
of injury to children in Arkansas, developing and leading researchers and project staff to
create the Injury Prevention Center, legislative activity and statewide initiatives.”
CaterTrax will
revoLutionize ACH Catering!
June 4 will mark a new revolution in catering orders at ACH! On
that date, Nutritional Services will launch a new catering request program, CaterTrax. This new system of requesting catering services will
replace a catering e-request and café stock request, and streamline the
catering order process.
CaterTrax will:
• Allow users to see orders and costs;
• Allow users make changes to orders and manage
departmental catering budgets, functionality not available
with the previous methods; and
• Feature a new menu with increased variety!
All requests made for June 4 or after will be directed through CaterTrax. Training will be made available to leadership in departments that
frequently request catering services. At these sessions, participants will be
able to sample new menu
items, receive help creating a personal profile
on the site and receive a
tutorial on the software.
Stay tuned to Vital Signs
e-news on the new
TeamACH for updates on
training times.
Questions? Contact
Kara Munsey,
catering manager,
at X41011.
Dr. Jim Pillow and The Pillow Clinic in Helena, recipients of the Dr. Tom Ed
Townsend Award. Dr. Chris Smith, associate
dean at UAMS Northwest, said of Dr. Jim
Pillow and The Pillow Clinic: “When I think
about the spirit of the Tom Ed Townsend
Award, I cannot think of any group more
worthy than the Pillow Clinic in Helena.”
Ray Hanley, president and CEO of
Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care, received the 2012 Betty A. Lowe, MD, Award,
an honor given by the ACH Foundation to
an individual who, through personal initiative, service and leadership, has made a significant contribution to the health and wellbeing of the children of Arkansas. According
to nominator ACH Executive Vice President
Scott Gordon, our honoree “is an amazing
advocate for the children of our state. His dedication to children
and families in Arkansas makes him a wonderful selection for the
Betty A. Lowe, MD, Award.”
The Ruth Olive Beall Service Awards were also given to members of the Active Medical Staff for years of service to ACH. These
awards range from 5 to 40 years or more of service. The service
awards are named for physicians who have been instrumental to
the growth and success of ACH. Dr. Rosalind Abernathy, a
pediatrician at ACH, was honored with the Orlando P. Christian
Award for 55 years of service between ACH and UAMS. Carole
Zylman, senior vice president for medical services and chief business development officer, was also given a special honor for her
years of service.
To see videos honoring this year’s award recipients, visit
archildrens.org.
(Top photo left to right) The 2012 honorees are Dr. Jerry Jones, Dr.
Mary Aitken, Ray Hanley, Dr. Jill Pillow, Dr. Ned Pillow, Dr. Jim Pillow
and Dr. Gill Pillow.
(Bottom photo) Dr. Rosalind Abernathy accepts an award of recognition from ACH board
chairman Dorsey Jackson.
Watch Vital Signs TV!
Premiering Tuesday, May 8!
ACH Heroes Resuscitate Boy
After Terrifying Accident
Two ACH employees, Sonia Bates-Stratton, a respiratory therapist and Training Center instructor, and her husband David Stratton, a respiratory therapist in Transport (shown at right), rushed to
the aid of 8-year-old Braydon Waters, who was hit by a vehicle on
Easter Sunday. Their swift response to the situation likely saved the
young boy’s life. Read Sonia’s account of this amazing story below:
“Easter Sunday started out as a typical Sunday morning with the
exception of enjoying the surprises left by the Easter bunny. We left
church and we were on our way down 2nd Street in Cabot and came
to a red light. We were waiting for the light to turn and suddenly my
14-year-old son, Evan, yelled, ‘Mom, a kid just got hit by a truck!’”
I was riding in the back of our SUV and immediately jumped out
and ran over to see this sweet little boy lying there lifeless. There was
a man there with me and together we determined that this boy did
not have a pulse and was not breathing.
I immediately started chest compressions. Another individual
came up and stabilized his head. He was bleeding badly from his
mouth and we didn’t know at that time how extensive his injuries were. I
continued compressions while Braydon’s dad was on his hands and knees
crying and yelling. My husband, David, arrived on the scene and immediately helped with Braydon’s dad.
After David and some other men brought Braydon’s dad away from the
scene, he took over compressions. I went to Braydon’s other side and began
Braydon Waters enjoys a trip
hooking up the AED (Automatic External Defibrillator). I turned it on and
outside during his stay at ACH.
placed the pads on him, but suddenly he started breathing and gurgling.
David stopped compressions and we checked his responsiveness; he was
breathing and started to get a little combative. What a wonderful sight to see!
We suctioned his mouth and worked with the paramedics to get an IV, his vitals, put a C-collar on him
and placed him on a spine board. Med Flight arrived and they transported him to ACH. Braydon (shown
lower right) has a broken clavicle, broken mandible, and several broken and missing teeth, but he is still
here with us and I only have God to thank for that. He is truly an Easter miracle.”
Thank you, Sonia and David, for truly “crossing the creek” to help a child in need.
FY13 Benefits Open Enrollment
voLunteer Corner
ACH Volunteer Services is
proud to announce that the American Hospital Association selected
the Knitting for Noggins program
as a finalist in the Community Outreach and/or Collaboration programs category in the 2012 Hospital Awards for Volunteer Excellence
(HAVE Awards). We would like to
say a special thank-you to the Knitting for Noggins volunteers who have made nearly
209,500 hats for ACH patients and families since the program’s inception in 2006. The
Volunteer Services department set a goal of 10,000 hats for the first year of this program – and as you can see, we have greatly exceeded that number!
It is clear that our volunteers and supporters enjoy being a part of ACH’s care, love
and hope – and for that, we are thankful!
Walmart Associates Visit ACH, Receive
Special Recognition in South Wing
The FY13 Benefits Open Enrollment period began Wednesday, April 25 and closes
on Friday, May 18. Your manager has scheduled time for your department’s one-on-one
enrollment meetings and will be communicating those dates, times and locations to the
department’s staff.
Please allow yourself some time to review your personalized information packet that
should have arrived in your personal mail the week of April 16, as this will help you when
you meet with the benefits enroller. During your one-on-one consultation with a benefits
representative, you should receive a good basic understanding of your core benefits, and
you will also be able to choose from a menu of additional voluntary benefits to meet your
personal financial needs.
Call Human Resources at X41168 with any questions.
South Wing Moves on the Horizon
The time is almost here! Several clinics and departments will begin making their
moves to the South Wing in the coming weeks. The first clinic and departmental moves
will include:
Audiology • June 29 – 30
Emergency Department • July 5 – 6
Hematology/Oncology Clinic
July 10 – 11
In April, approximately 150 Walmart and Sam’s Club associates from across the state gathered at ACH during the
hospital’s annual Walmart Day celebration, an event that
commemorates the associates’ fundraising success and kicks
off their six-week Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals fundraising campaign starting May 1. Last year, Walmart and
Sam’s Club locations in Arkansas, northern Louisiana and
eastern Oklahoma raised $1.1 million for ACH, a dollar at a
time.
Since 2009, the funds raised by Walmart and Sam’s Club
have been designated for the hospital’s new South Wing,
which will open this summer. In recognition of the support of
Walmart and Sam’s Club, the first floor of the South Wing will
be named in the group’s honor.
Stay tuned to Vital Signs e-News
for more information and updates on the
South Wing moves.
Congratulations
Dr. Richard Jacobs Appointed to
AMSPDC Board of Directors
(Photo at right) During Walmart Day, Emiliano Garcia-Fuentes,
the CMN Hospitals’ Champion Child for Arkansas, thanked the
group for their efforts, with a little help from his father, Guillermo.
Richard Jacobs, MD, FAAP, Robert H. Fiser, MD, Endowed Chair in Pediatrics, has
been appointed to the board of directors of the Association of Medical School Pediatric
Department Chairs (AMSPDC). Dr. Jacobs will serve a three-year term on the board. Congratulations on this incredible honor!
ACH Hosts First Adult
Burn Survivor Retreat Camp
The Burn Center at Arkansas Children’s Hospital hosted its first Adult Burn Survivor
Retreat Camp event to allow adult burn survivors, at least six years post-injury, to come
together to share their strengths and coping skills to deal with the unique ramifications
that result from traumatic burn injuries. A group of eight very strong and devoted survivors and two spouses attended the event, where former Today’s THV anchorman and
burn survivor, B.J. Sams, served as keynote speaker. ACH Artist in Residence Elizabeth
Weber led attendees in art activities.
In May, they will all be trained as SOAR (Survivors Offering Assistance in Recovery)
volunteers and will become the core foundation and committee for future retreats, as
the Burn Center hopes to host spring and fall
events. These future retreats will be for new
survivors; when their wounds are healed they
will be invited to attend with one family member, where they will meet others who have
shared the same devastating trauma of a burn.
Great work, Burn Center, on a successful
inaugural event!
(Photo) Susan Brown, RN from the ACH Burn
Center and Michael Driggers, a burn survivor,
share a warm embrace during the retreat.
Nursing Week 2012 Schedule
Day
May 6
Sunday
May 7
Monday
May 8
Tuesday
May 9
Wednesday
Time
Location
T-shirt Distribution
12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
3rd Fl Classroom
T-shirt Distribution
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Terrace Room
Nursing Grand Rounds
(Mary Fran Hazinski)
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm &
5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
2012 Excellence in Nursing 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Awards Ceremony
ALL DAY
All Areas
PCEL Rounds
10:00 am – 2:00 pm &
7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
All Areas
Centennial Birthday
for Nurses
May 11
Friday
PCEL Rounds
10:00 am – 2:00 pm &
7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
All Areas
Wear your Nurses Week
T-shirts/Blue Jeans
ALL DAY
All Areas
PCEL Rounds
10:00 am – 2:00 pm &
7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
All Areas
Daily
Dan McFadden, APR, Receives
UALR Communications Award
Dan McFadden, APR, ACH director of communications, received a Meritorious
Service Award from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR) School of Mass
Communications, recognizing his accomplishments and service to the staff and faculty of
the program. Congratulations on an award well deserved!
ACH Tlme CapsuLe...Do you know?
April ACH Employee Centennial Trivia Winner: Tanya Hogan
Congratulations to Tanya Hogan, office manager in the Pediatrics department,
for winning the third round of ACH employee Centennial trivia! Tanya correctly answered that the newly established neonatal transport system at ACH logged 9,000
miles in its first six months. She has won a
Centennial-themed item from the Playway
Gift Shop!
For your chance to win, submit your
answer to the trivia question below to Ginny
Wiedower in the Public Relations department
at [email protected]!
Question: The E.S. Hilliard Receiving
Home was sold to a local physician
in the 1920s, What was the amount
of profit made by the Arkansas Children’s Home Society on that sale?
Hop in the time machine found at
ACH100.org to find the answer!
East Campus 103
Wear your Nurses Week
T-shirts/Blue Jeans
2:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Scott Gordon, executive vice president, will be presented the 2012 Arkansas Medical Society Shuffield Award on May 5 at the society’s annual meeting. The Shuffield
Award is the society’s highest award given to a non-physician. Many congratulations to
you on this achievement!
3rd Fl Classroom
May 10
Thursday
May 12
Saturday
2
Activity
Scott Gordon To Be Presented
2012 Arkansas Medical Society Shuffield Award
3rd Fl Classroom
Door Prizes!
Come to any Nurses Week event and register for one
of the daily door prizes to be given away!
Staff Development Calendar
Staff Development is coordinating the following training opportunities in May. If
you have questions or need additional information, please contact Charell Young at
X43507. Sign up for courses through the ACH Training System and check Vital Signs
e-News on the new Team ACH for more information.
5/07
5/08
5/10
5/14
5/15
Traditions
Traditions (Day 2)
Interpersonal Styles
Horizons
Managing Performance Problems
5/16
5/21
5/22
5/23
5/29
Fishing for Values
Traditions
Traditions (Day 2)
Just Culture
Valuing Differences
A Few Farewell Words
from Carole Zylman
Senior Vice President for Medical Services and Chief
Business Development Officer Carole J. Zylman has decided to
stop and smell the roses. With 30 years of service to Arkansas
Children’s Hospital, Carole has seen the face of health care, at
ACH and beyond, evolve and grow into what it is today. Perhaps you didn’t know Carole has been instrumental in providing the vision and direction for ACH public relations and employee communications such as Vital Signs, Vital Signs TV, and
others that we experience on a daily basis.
A teacher in Michigan for nine years, Carole’s love for children and education was
deeply rooted. When her husband was transferred to central Arkansas by his employer,
Carole quickly plugged into volunteering at ACH. She recalls, “I volunteered two or three
times a week in the Child Life playroom and also went to the bedsides of older patients and
helped them with their schoolwork.”
Not long after Carole began volunteering at ACH, she was brought on board as nurse
recruitment specialist to help onboard international nurses during a serious nursing shortage. A large portion of her work in this role was to help international, English-speaking
nurses assimilate to Arkansas. “They needed bank accounts, they needed apartments, they
needed cars. I think I helped them buy 14 cars in about three months!”
Carole was soon asked to serve as the hospital’s employee benefits manager. “The director of Human Resources at the time asked me if I would come and manage the employee
benefits program, which I did, with a lot of help.” After serving in that capacity for about
three years, she was approached about becoming the director of professional staff services
under the guidance of then-medical director, Dr. Betty Lowe.
With roughly 14 years of experience in that role under her belt, Carole transitioned into
the role of director of provider relations and of the Physician Hospital Organization (PHO).
After a year and a half, she became executive director of the PHO. She was also promoted
to the position of chief business development officer for ACH, and then to the position of
senior vice president for medical services.
Of her years spent in varied roles at ACH, she recalls, “I think I’ve had offices in about
three closets. One of which had no ventilation; we had to keep the door open otherwise I
couldn’t breathe! And if the door shut, the light went out. That was a long, long time ago.”
Having worked in various capacities, Carole has witnessed many changes in the healthcare industry. “The scientific and technological advances have really changed the way care
is delivered in many instances,” Carole says. “I remember the day we performed our first
open heart surgery. There was almost a hush that came over the place. Everyone was
so excited, and scared, and hoped it would all go well.” Certainly, her involvement in
the development of the Pediatric Understanding and Learning through Simulation Education (PULSE) Center has contributed to innovative, technology-driven education at ACH, in
Arkansas and beyond.
Another change mentioned is in the area of reimbursement. “Changes in reimbursement have had a huge impact.”
So what is it that has kept Carole at ACH all of these years? To put it simply, it’s the kids.
“Although I don’t provide direct care to patients, it’s the belief that what I do, in the end,
results in better care for the kids.”
It is because of her focus on the care of the kids treated at ACH that Carole has led
expansions of the hospital’s reach throughout the state through partnerships including
the UAMS ACH Centers for Children in Lowell, also now in Jonesboro, and the Arkansas
Regional Neonatal Network (ARNN).
She described her vision for the future: “ACH - recognized as the leader, the place to
go for pediatric expertise in Arkansas.” On how ACH will get there, she said it will be “by
continuing to improve quality and outcomes for our patients. I believe ACH will get there.”
The growth and success of Arkansas Children’s Hospital is due largely to our visionary
leaders, like Carole, who consistently keep one thing in mind as top priority: the kids. “I try
to, on a daily basis, walk to the hospital lobby and ride the elevator up and walk back. That
reminds me why I’m here.”
Asked for a final thought she would leave with all employees, she offered, “Keep the
kids first. If you keep the kids always top of mind, everything else is much easier.”
Happy trails, Carole!
2012 Summer
Weight Challenge!
Join the free Summer Weight Challenge program
at the ACH Fitness Center! Sign up starts June 4th on
the ACH Training system.
Weigh In: June 25th – July 2nd
Weigh Out: August 20th – 24th
If you maintain or lose weight (within one – two
pounds) during the eight-week program, you’ll receive
a prize! Your name will also be entered in a drawing for a $25 gift card.
If you are one of the three Biggest Losers (determined by the highest percentage of
weight lost) throughout the eight-week challenge, you’ll win a $50 gift card!
During the Summer Weight Challenge you will receive:
• Weekly motivational emails with easy-to-make healthy recipes.
• 25 Travel to Wellness points if you weigh out at the end of the program.
If you maintain or lose weight from the end of the Summer Weight Challenge (August 24) through the beginning of the Holiday Weight Challenge, your name will be
entered into a drawing for a gift card during the Holiday Weight Challenge also! Call the
Fitness Center at X41088 with questions.
2012 Fit4Kids Camp
The ACH Fitness Center is hosting a Summer Fitness Camp for employees’ children ages 8 – 12. Camp dates are Monday, July 16 – Friday, July 20, from
7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Sign-up begins May 7. Summer camp registration is $100, with a
$25 non-refundable deposit due the day of sign-up.
Camp limit is 40 kids so register early to guarantee a spot for your child. The camp
provides breakfast and two snacks; kids will need to bring a packed lunch.
For questions, please call the Fitness Center at X41088.
Electronic Medical Record System Update
On April 11, ACH moved one step closer to an integrated electronic medical record
system. IT staff began turning on the new Meditech Emergency Department Triage and
Tracker functionality and turning off our long standing use of the SDG ACHEDIS system.
This transition will position our Emergency Department to prepare for clinical documentation by all ED clinicians currently scheduled for later this year, and it will allow ACH to
prepare for use of Computerized Physician Order Entry in 2013.
On May 9th, NICU electronic documentation goes live! ACH IT will have many more
announcements as these milestones approach.
40
celebrating
years
Ruth Lane, LPN III • Neurosciences Center
1. What is it about ACH that has motivated you to work
here for so long? I love the children. After all of these years at
ACH it’s still amazing to me what children may say or do.
2. What are your special interests outside of work?
Travel, antiques, church, decorating.
3. What are three words that best describe you? Patient,
loyal, honest.
4. If you could have one super power, what would it be? To have the ability to speak
any language. Communication is the key used all over the world.
5. What is one fun fact about you that few people know? That I like to sing.
6. If you could trade places with any other person for a week – famous or not,
living or dead – with whom would it be? No one. I’m thankful that God made me
special. I can only be me.
7. If you were a raindrop, where is the one place that you’d want to land?
Somewhere in the Orient.
8. What is the best advice you ever received? “Sometimes the longest way around is
the best way out,” spoken to me by my mother.
9. What is your favorite memory from working at ACH? When a child walks up to
me unexpectedly and gives me a big hug! Love, love, love this. It makes my day!
30
celebrating
years
Lissa Symancyk, RN
Patient Care Manager
1. What is it about ACH that has motivated you to
work here for so long? I knew in nursing school that this is
where I wanted to work. I’ve worked inpatient (ITU and PICU)
as well as in the clinic. If pediatrics is your chosen field, there is
something here for everyone. I love the kids!
2. What are your special interests outside of work?
Travel, tennis, singing, reading and gardening.
3. What are three words that best describe you? Compassionate, loyal and funloving.
4. If Hollywood made a movie about your life, whom would you like to see play
you in the lead role? Meryl Streep because she would win the Oscar (always does) or
Barbra Streisand if singing was required.
5. If you could have one super power, what would it be? Flying – I used to dream
I could fly as a child. I wish I still had that dream!
6. If you could trade places with any other person for a week – famous or not,
living or dead – with whom would it be? I’d like to be a backup singer for someone.
I love to sing but wouldn’t want to be the main attraction.
7. If you were a raindrop, where is the one place that you’d want to land?
Someplace that really needs rain.
8. What is the best advice you ever received? My family was very supportive growing up and encouraged me to strive for what I wanted. Pretty good advice I think.
9. What is your favorite memory from working at ACH? There are really too many
to name just one. I have happy and sad memories, but they all mean so much to me.
25
celebrating
years
Anthony Buchanan • Housekeeping
1. What is it about ACH that has motivated you to
work here for so long? The children.
2. What are your special interests outside of work?
Basketball and church.
3. What are three words that best describe you? Caring, love, generous.
4. If Hollywood made a movie about your life, whom
would you like to see play you in the lead role? Eddie Murphy.
5. If you could have one super power, what would it be? Kindness.
6. What is one fun fact about you that few people know? I coach the Power 92
charity basketball team.
7. If you could trade places with any other person for a week – famous or not,
living or dead – with whom would it be? My father.
8. If you were a raindrop, where is the one place that you’d want to land? In
space.
9. What is the best advice you ever received? God.
10. What is your favorite memory from working at ACH? Winning this year’s
three-on-three tournament.
3
Watch Vital Signs TV!
Premiering Tuesday, May 8!
25
May Anniversaries
celebrating
years
Annalee Ayer
Chris Baehr
Christy Banks
J.D. Beene
Amber Bittle
Danita Carnett
Linda Cox
Diana Denning
Alan Floyd
Susan Gerard
Hilary Harber
Deborah Payne
Ambulatory Surgery
1. What is it about ACH that has motivated you to
work here for so long? Being able to work with such a
diverse and dedicated group of individuals who believe in our
oath; Care, Love and Hope.
2. What are your special interests outside of work?
Spending quality time with my family, shopping and most
importantly SPENDING MONEY. 3. What are three words that best describe you? Godly, loving, persistent.
4. If Hollywood made a movie about your life, whom would you like to see
play you in the lead role? Maya Angelou.
5. If you could have one super power, what would it be? To be invisible.
6. If you could trade places with any other person for a week – famous or
not, living or dead – with whom would it be? My Mom in her retirement years.
7. What is one fun fact about you that few people know? I love to laugh with
my children and occasionally listen to R&B.
8. If you were a raindrop, where is the one place that you’d want to land? In
Heaven.
9. What is the best advice you ever received? To trust in the Lord with all my heart,
mind, body and soul.
10. What is your favorite memory from working at ACH? When I first was hired
in Ambulatory Surgery under Lisa Adams, and the daily laughs we shared about our
children and families.
Holly Brown
Brandi Bolin
Rashonda Burkes
Tina Cauldwell
5 years
Tamara Havner
Tyler Hopper
Cloreece Jackson
Searcy Jackson
Blair Langston
Al Martin
Jennie McClain
Grace McMullen
Scott Mehlman
Kerry Moore
Sara Neal
10 years
Lanita Davis
Hilari Divino
Donna Roddy
Erika Studer
Michelle Parrish
Heather Reeves
Chris Robbins
Amy Sanders
Rachel Townsend
Patricia Veasley
Stephanie Ware
Carmen Weaver
Monica Westbrook
Sheri Zimmerman
Mya Tharp
Tynisha Washington
Annie Whale
Rochelle Withers
15 years
Bob Barrett
Lashawna McIntosh
Beth Petlak
Dee Ellen Swann
20 years
Ray Boulanger
Rex Curry
20
Robert Hathaway
Alvin Simmons
25 years
Anthony Buchanan
Deborah Payne
30 years
celebrating
years
Patricia Smith
Lissa Symancyk
40 years
Alvin Simmons
Pharmacy Outpatient
Ruth Lane
1. What is it about ACH that has motivated you to
work here for so long? I needed a job!
2. What are your special interests outside of work?
Charity work, radio and traveling.
3. What are three words that best describe you? Direct, caring, faithful.
4. If Hollywood made a movie about your life, whom would you like to see
play you in the lead role? Morgan Freeman.
5. If you could have one super power, what would it be? To heal the sick.
6. What is one fun fact about you that few people know? I love to raise chickens.
7. If you could trade places with any other person for a week – famous or
not, living or dead – with whom would it be? A happy child anywhere in the world
before school age.
8. If you were a raindrop, where is the one place that you’d want to land?
Anywhere that rain is needed.
9. What is the best advice you ever received? Trust in God! Don’t settle for less.
10. What is your favorite memory from working at ACH? Seeing a child and
their parent(s) say, “We are going home, thank you!” I have seen thousands.
20
Editor’s Note: Each month, employees and staff who are celebrating milestone
anniversaries at ACH are invited to share their experiences with Vital Signs. Those who
agree to be interviewed are featured on this page on a first-come, first-served basis.
Oops! We’re Sorry!
Michael Campbell’s name was printed incorrectly in last month’s anniversary listings.
celebrating
years
Ray Boulanger
Information Technology
1. What is it about ACH that has motivated you to
work here for so long? I like seeing the new technology
being introduced at ACH.
2. What are your special interests outside of work? I
like yard work, swimming, volleyball and hiking up Pinnacle
Mountain.
3. What are three words that best describe you? The
adventure continues.
4. If Hollywood made a movie about your life, whom would you like to see
play you in the lead role? Kevin James.
5. If you could have one super power, what would it be? To be able to travel
anywhere instantly.
6. If you were a raindrop, where is the one place that you’d want to land? At
the ocean on a sandy beach.
7. What is the best advice you ever received? To be dependable and try to do
your best.
New Arrivals
Laura Watlington, a Social Worker in NICU, the Intestinal Rehab Program and
the High Risk Newborn Clinic, and her husband, Michael, announce the birth of
Nicholas Tyler Watlington who arrived on February 21, 2012.
Tyler weighed 8 pounds and 7ounces. Congratulations!
Gwynne Leach, a Secretary III in the Social Work Department, and her husband, John,
welcomed the birth of a daughter, Ashlynne Beau on March 6, 2012.
Ashlynne weighed 5 pounds and 5 ounces. Welcome Ashlynee!
Heather Winston, a physician liason in Marketing, and her husband, Brent,
gave birth to William Cooper Winston on April 21, 2012. Cooper arrived
weighing 7 pounds and 6 ounces. Congratulations, Winston family!
Vital Signs
Vital Signs is published monthly for the employees, staff and volunteers of Arkansas Children’s Hospital, 1 Children’s Way,Little Rock, Arkansas, 72202-3591; (501) 364-1100.
Visit the all new archildrens.org.
President/Chief Executive Officer: Jonathan Bates, MD • Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer: David Berry
Senior Vice President for Medical Affairs & Chief Medical Officer: W. Robert Morrow, MD • Senior Vice President & Chief Business Development Officer: Carole Zylman
Director of Communications: Dan McFadden, APR • Manager of Publications: Michael Spigner • Editor: Ginny Wiedower • Photographer: Kelley Cooper
4