Thursday, July 16, 2015

Humanism Award: Recognizing Elio Arrechea

When the Newark Beth Israel Medical Center was sold to Saint Barnabas Health System in 1996, the money from that sale established The HealthCare Foundation of NJ, a foundation dedicated to improving healthcare for vulnerable populations in greater Newark and the Jewish community.

A portion of this foundation fund created the Lester Z. Lieberman Humanism in Healthcare Award, an award that recognizes a healthcare staff on the front line who – in addition to being a skilled clinician – demonstrates and lives the value of always treating patients with respect.

You may a recall a recent email where we shared the wonderful news that our very own Elio Arrechea will be recognized this year. We were thrilled to hear this, and are so proud that he is being
recognized.

Elio fits this award to a tee! He is a highly skilled clinician who always finds a way to support the children he cares for, his colleagues, our hospital as a whole, and the broader community with a sense of respect and purpose.

In the long list of skills that Elio has, one that I am in awe of is his master of Code Green. Let me explain.

These situations are never easy, or the code wouldn’t have been called in the first place! I remember reading an event report that Elio was involved in. The descriptions that everyone shared of Elio’s actions had a common theme of phrases like “Elio sat on the ground with the child and quietly began to speak to him” or “Elio was able to calm him and redirect the child to a safe place to regain composure” or “Elio ensured that Mom was safe and felt that she was not at risk.

In addition, Elio often volunteers with his own children at Children’s Specialized Hospital events. The care and tenderness that he has with our children is mirrored with his own children. It’s heartwarming to see his children interact respectfully with the children we care for, treating them as friends instead of focusing on their medical frailty.

We are all so proud of Elio for being recognized and proud that he is part of the Children’s Specialized Family.

Elio will be honored with the Lester Z. Lieberman Humanism in Healthcare Award this coming Monday, July 20 at 5:15 pm at the Crystal Plaza in Livingston. Since we all can’t attend the ceremony (as much as we’d like to I’m sure), let’s share our congratulations with him on Give a WOW!

8 comments:

Roseann Pizzi said...

I can't think of a more deserving individual. Elio is a true professional. He is calm and clinically talented, but also a lot of fun. Elio is my go-to person when I need a reality check, someone to lend an ear, or just a good laugh. He keeps me grounded. Everyone he comes in contact with is better for having met him. Congratulations, Elio!

Karen Stieglitz-DePalma said...

Congratulations, Elio! Have a great time celebrating your many accomplishments!

Jill Harris said...

It is an honor to know Elio. So pleased to see him receive this recognition. Elio is always willing to help and has frequently volunteered his time to support underserved communities. Ask him to demonstrate the disco method of breaking a hold during PRCES II (Crisis Management)!

Pat O'Hanlon said...

Amy thank you so much for sharing this with us! To know Elio is to love him!! If someone asked me to define Elio I would simply say "pure human joy"!! Always super nice and always there to listen, understand, offer perspective and wisdom. Like I said "pure human joy"!! Elio - Have a wonderful time tonight!! Congratulations!!

Donna Provenzano said...

Elio is a very special person. His kindness and compassion shine through in all that he does. He is a wonderful role model for all of us!!
Congratulations on the award--there is no one more deserving :)

Linda said...

Congratulations Elio. I can only echo the words of everyone else when saying you are so deserving of this recognition for all that you do for your patients, families, and co workers. I have witnesssed how wonderful and caring you are when diffusing difficult situations when a code green is called. Without hesitation you instintively know what to do. I always say if something is going to happen to me please let it be when I am at work because I know a great team will come running. My hat is off to you!

Debbie Kochberg said...

So excited for you. It couldn't have gone to a more deserving person. I miss working alongside you. So great to see you face, if only in a photo. Keep doing what you're doing!!.,

Ana Pereira said...

Has been a great honor to knowing and working with Elio. I have also witnessed his professionalism and care with our families and kids. Congrats Elio, you deserve it!