Michelle McDaniel of Egg Harbor Township with Kathy Thompson.
SOMERS POINT – Shore Medical Center celebrated National Hospital Week with a series of events and recognition for staff. Although COVID restrictions prevented Shore from hosting its annual employee awards dinner, staff were honored throughout the week of May 10-14 at both scheduled and surprise award presentations.
In addition to employee milestone awards, which celebrated employees who have worked for Shore from five to 50 years, the following annual awards were presented:
Dr. Dara Lankaranian
Physician of the Year Dr. Dara Lankaranian, director of Shore’s Hospitalist Program
“We work 12-hour shifts for seven days straight. During the pandemic, Dr. Lankaranian often picked up additional shifts sometimes working 16 and even 24 hours straight. As a father of two school age children, it was a personal sacrifice and challenge to take on, but he never wavered because he wanted to be here for his patients and staff,” said Dr. Amit Ray, assistant director of Shore’s Hospitalist program. “He would never expect any member of the staff to do something that he would not step up to do first.”
2021 Chairman’s Award Senior Laboratory Assistant Michele McDaniel
“She is very patient and kind with her patients, speaking softly and reassuringly that they will be fine,” said Director of Laboratory Services Kathy Thompson, McDaniel’s supervisor. “Michele is especially good with children that need blood work. She shares that same patience and kindness with her coworkers, stepping in to help if someone is unfamiliar with a procedure. She trains new employees and has created a manual of very specialized send-out tests that need to be researched.” Thompson added, “It is truly and honor to work beside Michele. Her dedication and passion to serve our patient’s testing needs is always inspiring and the award is well-deserved.”
Tricia Brereton-Moore.
Caregiver of the Year Clinical Educator Tricia Brereton-Moore
“When thinking of the ‘best’ nurse many of us think of Tricia. Her knowledge, dedication, strength and care are just some of qualities that make her such a great caregiver,” Nurse Manager Nicole DeCicco said. “The way she treats patients and families as well as all the staff is something astonishing to watch. She is the true definition of a nurse.”
Chairman’s Non-Clinical Award Lead HVAC Mechanic Jeff Kleusken
According to Bob Robertson, Administrative Director of Logistics and Finance, “Jeff bleeds Shore purple. He is a perfectionist. He cares about his job and about how it relates to the staff and to patients. He is so knowledgeable and appears to have just endless energy.”
Linda Kenwood
DiOrio Award Chief Operating Officer and Chief Nursing Officer Linda Kenwood
The DiOrio Award is named after Joe DiOrio, who served on Shore’s Board of Trustees for more than 50 years and took great pride in the hospital.
“Like Joe DiOrio, Linda Kenwood served our hospital well and she, like Joe, will leave a legacy of leadership, compassion, good humor, and an unwavering commitment to our patients and community,” Shore CEO Ron Johnson said.
Kenwood is set to retire from Shore Medical Center at the end of the year.
From left, Jeff Kleuskens, Administrative Director of Logistics Bob Robertson.
