CHI Saint Joseph Medical Group Honors Outstanding Staff With Employee, Leader of the Year Awards for 2019

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 14, 2020) – CHI Saint Joseph Medical Group has announced the 2019 Employee of the Year and Leader of the Year award recipients. Venessa Birch, office lead, CHI Saint Joseph Medical Group, was presented the Employee of the Year award, and Kyle Howard, manager, Clinical Informatics, CHI Saint Joseph Medical Group, earned the Leader of the Year award.

CHI Saint Joseph Medical Group annually recognizes one outstanding Employee of the Year who demonstrates the CHI Saint Joseph core values of reverence, integrity, compassion and excellence. This year’s recipient, Venessa Birch, was nominated by Sylvia Edlin, echocardiographer, CHI Saint Joseph Medical Group.

“When patients call our office, oftentimes they ask to speak with Venessa,” said Edlin. “She is compassionate, friendly and the definition of a servant leader. We hear from our patients daily about how much they love and appreciate the care she provides. Personally, she makes me look forward to coming to work because I know I’m working with the very best.”

Over the last six years, Birch has raised the standard of patient care for the CHI Saint Joseph Medical Group. Whether she’s walking patients from the office out to their cars or spending extended periods of time on the phone with insurance companies being an advocate for patients and their prescriptions, she truly embodies excellence in all that she does.

Similarly, CHI Saint Joseph Medical Group annually presents one employee serving in a managerial position with the Leader of the Year award. Selection criteria include an outstanding demonstration of leadership led by core values of reverence, integrity, compassion and excellence. This year’s recipient, Kyle Howard, was nominated by Viren Bavishi, DO, president, CHI Saint Joseph Medical Group.

“Over the last 11 years, Kyle has stepped in and stepped up as an organizational leader that truly makes CHI Saint Joseph Medical Group a better place,” said Dr. Bavishi. “As a colleague, I see reverence displayed in his respect for others, integrity and compassion in his ethical patient care, and unwavering commitment to excellence in his ability to advocate and inspire change.”

Howard’s professionalism and respect for all has landed him in the Clinical Informatics leadership role, where he influences staff and providers in a way that has created intradepartmental vision and enthusiasm. Howard continually identifies and undertakes significant, high impact challenges that drive improvements in quality and safety for the CHI Saint Joseph Medical Group.

Both award winners were recognized during a special ceremony.

About CHI Saint Joseph Health
CHI Saint Joseph Health, part of Catholic Health Initiatives, is one of the largest and most comprehensive health systems in the Commonwealth of Kentucky with 135 locations in 20 counties, including hospitals, physician groups, clinics, primary care centers, specialty institutes and home health agencies. In total, the health system serves patients in 35 counties statewide. CHI Saint Joseph Health is dedicated to building healthier communities by elevating patient care through an integrated physical and behavioral health delivery system. CHI Saint Joseph Health embodies a strong mission and faith-based heritage and works through local partnerships to expand access to care in the communities it serves.

About the CHI Saint Joseph Medical Group
CHI Saint Joseph Medical Group is the employed provider network of CHI Saint Joseph Health with 88 locations in 16 communities throughout central and eastern Kentucky.

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For More Information:
Mary Branham, Director, Communications
P: 859.313.2642
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