Recognitions
Offering positive recognition is a simple but transformative act
And the research agrees.
Studies have shown that feelings of gratitude activate areas of the brain correlated with moral cognition, rewards and positive emotion. For both the receiver and the sharer, benefits can include:
- A happier, more motivated brain.
- A boost in performance, engagement and well-being;
- And a stronger connection to your colleagues.
In other words, the more we engage in it, the more we gain from it.
Take a moment to recognize someone
We all know those people who go above and beyond – who see a challenge as an opportunity, who remain kind and collaborative in the face of conflict, who exemplify the Cultural North Star in their work, actions and interactions. So take a moment to recognize them! As an added bonus: You and the recipient will also be automatically entered into a Cultural North Star drawing!
Prefer a physical card?
Grab a print copy at one of the four locations listed below or email culturalnorthstar@mednet.ucla.edu to request a set for your department.
Recognition Card Locations
- Geffen Hall, level B, outside Revive Cafe
- Geffen Hall, level 2, Marion and Bob Wilson Student Lounge
- Geffen Hall, level 4, suite 401K
- Center for Health Sciences, floor 1, outside Founder’s Room
Community Members who are
Doing What's Right, Making Things Better, and Being Kind.
Sonya Kagele makes things better for the client while working together as a whole team in the organization.
Linda Bianchi is knowledgeable and helps in whichever way she can. Staff feel supported by her, and it's truly appreciated.
Catherine Weston is tireless in her efforts to make our department a better place.
Angelica Garcia is kind and offers great patient care. She stands by her role and goes that extra mile.
Dami Jolayemi went above and beyond helping me run our annual Family Medicine Research Day event. She jumped right in to help, and was there whenever I needed assistance.
Jessica Jones consistently makes a positive impact, takes the time to listen to understand, and is always willing to help. Her actions contribute to providing the utmost patient care.
Betsi Sanchez is a great team player. She will jump in and help without being asked. She takes ownership of her role and asks questions when necessary. She was a pleasure to work with.
Susana Rodriguez has covered out clinic multiple times, I have seen her growth as an MA and team player. Her hard work does not go unnoticed. Thank you.
Abraham Kurian is kind and always helpful with the staff and the patients. He is an excellent phlebotomist, with many years of experience.
Jessica Ambriz uses her time management skills to assist. I often hear her speaking to patients with kindness. Thank you!
Jackie Agboke began two affinity groups for social workers in Resnick NPH. The staff have shared they feel connected, included and recognized. Thanks to Jackie for her advocacy.
Yanira Mata has stepped up to the plate and assisted in our lab processing. She seems comfortable with her skill set and this is truly appreciated.
Luz Angel has been a pleasure to work with. She is helpful and diligent. She looks for ways to help on the floor, very friendly as well.
The inpatient echocardiography team had last-minute TEE requests. Jane Lee had the option of going home but stayed late. Jane's actions advanced patient care and eased the workflow.
Ofelia Monroy was very pleasant and knowledgeable in derm and did not hesitate to help orient me with workflows and equipment. Thank you for your kindness.
Dr. Zaid Patel went above and beyond to review the patient's images and add annotations. This enhanced the patient's care and ensured the best possible treatment for the patient.
Maggie Griffin's intent and positive regard is easy to see and she generously offered her time. She helps assist others with issue resolution. Thank you Maggie, we appreciate you.
Jeff Balian is always ready to help the lab members and does his best to ensure everyone receives adequate support.
As a Chief, Dr. Trudy Wu is constantly looking out for co-residents and junior residents by taking the initiative across all domains of residency. She is quick to offer a lending help and leads by example.
Adam Bond was kind enough to guide me through CHS. Without hesitation Adam assisted, and I am grateful.
Tony Fernandez is always willing to learn, he does not shy away from working and helping the team. Tony is friendly and approachable.
Cristian Yanes is an avid advocate and mentor. He has inspired many as an educator.
Franchesca Kim has been instrumental in helping our department respond to problems. She is receptive and solution-oriented; I appreciate her support.
Karen Aparicio is always a pleasure to work with, she comes in to make a difference. She is efficient and a team player.
Sophia Lopez is thoughtful when planning and approaches each project with such positivity and energy. I am grateful to have Sophia as my colleague.
Tom Donohoe has always gone above and beyond to help those in need, whether in his department or in the community. He is caring, thoughtful, and never hesitates to put others before himself
Marine Poladyan runs a busy clinic with her physician, and she took the time to show me her workflows and set ups. She was kind and helpful.
Jennifer Zanotti has been very helpful, approachable, and knowledgeable. I truly appreciate all her guidance and support. Thank you.
Julie Montero is always showing kindness and eager to help out however she can.
Michael Dizon used his technical expertise during a critical blood bank investigation. He suggested an effective way which led to the completion of the investigation and the lab was able to provide the best support for the patient.
Saad Mallick is an incredible mentor and goes out of his way to help guide, teach, and advise his team members. He makes spaces inclusive and welcoming.
Nikhil Chervu is fundamentally motivated to make things better in everything he does. He is creative and an effective problem solver. His enthusiasm is contagious and deeply inspiring.
Bryant Vong is such a kind and thoughtful colleague. He goes above and beyond and truly has our best interests at heart. He is so dependable. Thanks so much Bryant!
Darrin Jones is always taking the time to fully explain things to patients who are truly grateful to be acknowledged and bringing daily cheer to fellow co-workers.
Miguel Zavala is always helpful, there was recently a change in the hiring process. He offered assistance and was informative. Thank you!
Monika Fragoso is always going above and beyond. She is always ready to help and always does so in a thoughtful way. She helps keep connections between teams seamless.
Dominique Fahmy went out of her way to assist a patient to get on a cancer trial. She found a service to allow the patient to get a free ride to every study visit, lessening her worries during complex chermotherapy.
Jose Gil is always there to help. I know that if we're struggling to find a solution, I can reach out to him and it will get taken care of. He's friendly, professional, capable, and we're lucky to have him!
Kelsi Collins has been very thoughtful in taking time to listen to any concerns and help clarify misunderstandings so that the process is seamless. Her collegial thoughtfulness is greatly appreciated.
On a day to day basis, Salena Gallardo goes above and beyond to make everyone feel welcome in our work environment.
Sara Sakowitz is passionate about transplantation and how non-medical factors affect ones outcome. She has given national talks.
I forgot my entire wallet one day and planned to borrow some cash for parking. Abraham Ochoa Solis volunteered to pay, and to this day, he won't let me pay him back.
Beeta Mahdavi is an invaluable team member, and we are truly honored to work with her daily. She displays kindness and positivity with every interaction and is a role model that brings Cultural North Star to life!
Sarah Zhang is a hard worker, putting her patients and the well-being of her colleagues first. She also frequently performs acts of kindness.
Dr. Nooshin Yashar listens and really cares about every individual she comes in contact with.
Stephanie Bueno constantly shows up for her patients in the most spectacular ways!
Francisco Nicolas Francisco helped our department during a time of need and went above and beyond his job duty. We truly appreicate and are thankful for his hard work.
Tammy Batz's thoroughness sets a new standard for preparation and work ethics. Her patience and teamwork are unmatched, and is an outstanding model for everyone at our team. I appreciate her continued dedication and leading by example for our intake team.
Dr. Mark Ovsiowitz always has a kind demeanor and recently participated as the physician champion to help navigate a workflow issue. He takes great responsibility in his GI Lead role.
Melle Reider-Demer is amazing, she innovated and directs several high level projects that make an impact on patient flow. She is collaborative and I look up to her leadership and professionalism.
Dr. Danielle Ryba goes above and beyond for her patients. She is approachable and communicates well with patients and staff. She truly is appreciated.
Felicia Winningham brings great energy to the office. She takes care of patients as if they were her family members. Felicia always goes above and beyond her call of duty!
Denise Acelar is one of the kindest co-workers. She goes out of her way to assist anyone and goes above and beyond in all tasks.
Troy Ratcliff is always kind and encouraging, and a strong leader in his department.
David Bisuano is a rising and shining star. He is truly motivated to do what's right for the patient and team. He accepts the challenge on a daily basis. He leads with humility.
Carolina Rios has drive and ambition to get things done. She problem solves and does not hesistate to ask all the right questions.
Jessica Rovira has patience and kindness for staff and patients.
Connect with Us
If you have questions regarding CNS Recognitions, please reach out to us.