I want to take a moment to acknowledge the outstanding work that Meg and Janice have done in initiating a new trial. Despite facing numerous challenges from the outset, including a three-day site initiation visit and several troubleshooting meetings, they persevered with determination and skill. Their commitment and hard work have been truly extraordinary, and because of their efforts, our Clinical Research Unit continues to uphold its reputation for quality, integrity, and excellence. Thank you both for all that you do! Your contributions make a significant difference.

Sam tirelessly works for the faculty and staff of the department in the area of personnel management. She is always positive and is solutions-focused in everything she does. When I started in my role as department HR manager last year, Sam assisted me with the many complex human resources processes and procedures and did it with a consistent positive attitude while maintaining her heavy workload. I am so thankful for Sam and hope the department knows what a gem she is! - Rebekah Temple

Christian and Justin stepped in to set up the OR for a level 1 cardiac case in the middle of the night as I was coming in from home. They went above and beyond to prepare not only the routine equipment, but also the case-specific anesthesia supplies they knew I would need. After I brought the patient from the ICU, they also helped with a complicated transfer of countless lines and monitors. Their initiative and attention to detail saved valuable time and resulted in a better experience for me, but more importantly facilitated smooth and efficient patient care.

Both Niki and Rick stayed late to help care for and stabilize a hypotensive patient in PACU while I was the sweeper. Once Haley took over as the resident on call, she remained at bedside to care for the patient and helped me to transport the patient to the ICU for ongoing management. All three residents demonstrated great teamwork and didn’t hesitate to stay past their designated shift end - thanks again! - Kathleen Claus, MD

I want to highlight Jennifer Easterling, an OB CRNA, who really stepped up to help a patient when there was a need. Jenn reduced her suffering and helped her have the treatment she desired. I’m sharing this story to recognize her commitment to women in need. It’s wonderful to get inspired by people like Jenn and be reminded of the impact of good deeds. - Liz Thomason, MD

So proud of Autumn and Esther in taking on the fellowship programs!!! They are doing amazing; great things are coming. Proud to have been a part of this great team. - Teena Wyatt

Great job to Meg, Nia, Angelina, and Chelsea within the Duke Anesthesiology CRU for being recognized by Washington University for their quality and thoroughness of the data collection in the THRIVE protocol. Research staff was commended and asked to present on proper documentation of neurocognitive testing and acknowledged for being one of the top CAM assessment sites. - Kelly Rodden, RN, BSN

Dr. Mehdiratta set an absolutely pristine example of compassionate, thoughtful and dynamic care for a very complex patient. He demonstrated to the team what patient-centered care looks like, while also teaching and providing feedback. His calm demeanor and empathy for the patient experience was a true representation of leading by example. - Emily Barney, MD

While we were on call, Erica went above and beyond the call of duty in helping to hold a trauma patient still for a neuraxial procedure. The patient was so fatigued that they literally would have fallen off of the OR table if not for Erica holding them up - it was a physically exhausting task, but she did it without complaint because the patient needed the procedure. - Miles Berger, MD

Anne Walker and Sydney Reed were incredibly supportive when one of my daughters recently had a serious complication that sent us rushing to the Duke ED. Thankfully she was okay, but she did require several hours of monitoring and bloodwork such that we didn’t get home until 2 am. Sydney was quick to arrange coverage in case I needed to miss my scheduled cases for the following day and to offer any other help that I might need. Complicating the situation was that I was also scheduled to be on liver call the next day, with a transplant posted.