|
Congratulations to Lawrence Rhein, MD, director of the Center for Healthy Infant Lung Development and a member of Newborn Medicine and Pulmonology, who’s been selected as October’s Employee of the Month.
Countless co-workers have observed how Rhein combines hard work and strong teaching skills with his expansive knowledge and an unflagging sense of humor. They point to his exemplary work at children’s bedsides in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), in the Pulmonary Clinic as he cares for infants with severe lung problems, and in the lab, where he conducts research to gain a better understanding of respiratory illnesses.
For Rhein, his patients always come first. He’s totally devoted to them and their families; even when he isn’t the attending on duty, he still comes in to see patients and talk to parents. He gives out his personal contact information and encourages families to call him day or night so he can help them through medical crises. On Saturdays, he often facilitates a musical group for children with breathing disabilities so they can gather, play and learn. Rhein makes himself available to attend family and team meetings in the NICU to discuss patients’ needs. Often, the patients being discussed are in critical condition and the decisions made are crucial to their survival.
Despite the gravity of his daily routine, Rhein is able to keep his teammates laughing. “His wonderful sense of humor lifts the spirits of the NICU staff when we need it most,” says a colleague. “Larry is the funniest man on the planet. He puts everyone at ease with his enthusiastic approach,” says another. Many of his colleagues are devoted to him simply because of his commitment to the children. “Working with Larry is a highlight of my job!” says a neonatologist. “He is simply a superb physician and human being.”
To nominate a co-worker for employee of the month, visit the Human Resource page on Children’s Today, the hospital intranet.
|
