Phlebotomist Ursula Stevens-Charles (left) receives a 2024 Medicine Care Team Award from Primary Care chief resident Beret Amundson.

Residents on rotation at the Phyllis Jen Center for Primary Care say working with medical assistant Sherwin Williams is a masterclass in how to deliver patient-centered care.

“He goes out of his way to make patients comfortable,” said a resident colleague. “My office is next to where he sits, and I hear how quickly he puts people at ease while he’s taking blood pressures. One time, he sensed that one of my male patients wasn’t comfortable taking his shirt off for an EKG in front of a female medical assistant and, without making a scene at all, he quietly stepped in, took over and completely put my patient at ease. I’m pretty sure my patient would have just left without the EKG if wasn’t for Sherwin.”

Such empathy, teamwork and dedication inspired residents to nominate Williams for a 2024 Medicine Care Team Award. Established in 2001 by the Brigham’s Internal Medicine residents, the annual awards program was created for residents to recognize interprofessional colleagues — including nurses, medical assistants, unit coordinators, social workers, housekeepers and more — for their outstanding service and commitment to patient care. This year, residents honored 25 colleagues across the main campus, ambulatory locations and Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital.

The Medicine Care Team Award grew out of trainees’ recognition that “the patient care we provide is made possible by countless individuals who often don’t get the appreciation they deserve,” according to the award description. For nearly 25 years, it has become a cherished tradition of interprofessional respect and collaboration.

“This tradition is an incredibly special one that allows us as resident trainees to recognize critical members our medical teams who contribute significantly to the care of our patients,” said Maya Sayarath, MD, a third-year resident in the Internal Medicine Residency Program. “It is a wonderful celebration that allows us to thank individuals whom we recognize as not only colleagues but also valuable contributors to our education. For me, this ceremony highlights one of the most special and unique parts of training here, which is the sense of community amongst all teams that make patient care possible.”

Staff nurse Cailee Green displays her Medicine Care Team Award.

Also among those recognized this year was staff nurse Cailee Green, BSN, RN, of the Integrated Teaching Unit on Braunwald Tower 16AB, whose compassionate care left a lasting impression on her resident colleagues.

“Cailee goes above and beyond as a nurse,” wrote her nominator. “She provides excellent medical care and sees her patients’ humanity. I was so impressed by the way that she attended to the quality of life for a patient who had been hospitalized for a long time with a terminal illness by advocating for the patient to go outside in a wheelchair, styling her hair and engaging in conversations around her goals of care.”

Chantal Mirambeau, a patient care associate (PCA) on 6 South at BWFH, was recognized by residents for her exceptional advocacy for patients.

“I would often run into her on my pre-rounds, talking patiently with a patient with dementia and poor oral intake — encouraging the patient to take sips and providing a bit of companionship during the long inpatient stay,” her nominator wrote. “As a new face on the wards, I also appreciated the time she took to help me orient to the unit and the nursing/PCA staff.”

Described as “a true spark of joy,” phlebotomist Ursula Stevens-Charles was celebrated for her empathetic care and heartfelt camaraderie.

“When we are trying to get labs from an infant with tiny veins or an adult who is a difficult stick, we are always relieved to know that Ursula is there because we know she is up to the task,” wrote her nominator. “When we run into her, it is always so nice to see her friendly face! Ursula has been working at our clinic for our whole four years in residency, and we don’t know what we would do without her.”

In addition to her exceptional dedication, Environmental Services aide Alma Hernandez touched the hearts of her colleagues with her warmth and kindness.

“Alma comes in to clean after I finish clinic, and she always has a beautiful smile when she sees me. We talk about how things are going on in our lives, and she often has kind and reassuring words for me,” wrote her nominator. “She works very hard to keep the Jen Center clean, and it always brightens my day to see her.”

Noritza Ramos, a medical assistant at the Jen Center, is congratulated by Amundson.

Nadege Michaud, a medical assistant at Brigham Circle Medical Associates, was recognized for the many ways she nurtures trusting relationships with patients and her unwavering commitment to caring for the most vulnerable.

“She is an integral part of the team, and always there to welcome patients with a smile. She easily and quickly forms a rapport with patients,” wrote her nominator. “She goes above and beyond to bring patients from her community into clinic when they are not able to make it in themselves — all while going to school herself. We are all so lucky to work with her.”

For Rohan Khazanchi, MD, MPH, a second-year resident in the Harvard Medicine-Pediatrics Residency Program and member of the Care Team Awards planning committee, helping organize such a joyful tradition was deeply fulfilling.

“Our residents love this opportunity to recognize the many people who make excellent medical care possible for our sickest and most vulnerable patients, all the while also supporting our growth as trainees and bringing joy to our workplaces,” he said. “On a personal level, I especially love this ceremony for two reasons: because I don’t think we get to genuinely say ‘thank you’ enough in the hustle and bustle of our everyday work, and because offering gratitude to others helps mitigate our own burnout and fatigue by reminding us about the broader ecosystem of supportive colleagues that make us (and our patients!) feel valued.”