Employee, Volunteer Honored at MedStar

Auxilian of the Year Ernestine Pence stands alongside fellow Auxilians, her family members, and Stephen Michaels, MD, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Medical Officer (far right) after receiving her award. Honored at the hospital’s annual Auxiliary Appreciation Luncheon this April, her mother, husband and daughter all showed up to surprise Ernestine as she accepted her award.

Posted for Medstar St. Mary’s Hospital

An associate and a volunteer at MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital have received honors.

The hospital announced its Associate of the Year and Auxilian of the Year award winners during separate celebrations held earlier this spring.

Patti Schmidt, RN, was honored with the Peabody Award of Excellence for her exceptional work as a telemetry nurse. Ms. Schmidt received the award at the 2015 MedStar St. Mary’s Associate Awards Banquet held May 15. The award is named for Elinor Peabody, a former hospital Auxiliary member who was a tremendous role model for the community. Ms. Schmidt has been employed at MedStar St. Mary’s for 12 years and is known for her positive attitude, limitless energy and immense compassion for her patients.

MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital also named its Auxilian of the Year, Ernestine Pence. Ms. Pence received her award at the hospital’s Auxiliary Appreciation Luncheon held April 10. The current vice president of the auxiliary, Ms. Pence is known for her devotion to ensuring the hospital gift shop is always open as well as planning and facilitating fundraisers.

“She has volunteered her time for numerous years and is a valuable asset to the Auxiliary,” said Bonnie Trader, 20-year auxiliary member. “She is truly deserving of this award.”

Kay D’Esposito, MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital Auxiliary President; Patti Schmidt, RN, Associate of the Year; and Christine Wray, President of MedStar St. Mary’s, at the Annual Associates Awards Banquet.

Ms. Schmidt and Ms. Pence are featured in the summer issue of MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital’s Healthy Living magazine. Healthy Living is a quarterly publication mailed to residents throughout the Southern Maryland region. Also in the upcoming issue are features about cancer treatment, sleep studies, women’s health, new outpatient services and upcoming MedStar events and classes.