by Jill Clendening
Vanderbilt University Medical Center is hosting a special employee appreciation event — Celebrate the Difference WE Make Every Day! — to applaud recent successes and acknowledge the many contributions of the Medical Center’s employees during three sessions on March 7-8.
To make it as convenient as possible for employees to attend, regardless of role, work shift or location, the event is offered in three, identical sessions over the course of two days. All employees from the 21st Avenue campus as well as those from Vanderbilt Health One Hundred Oaks, Green Hills and Williamson County and surrounding counties are encouraged to attend.
The event will be at the climate-controlled Vanderbilt University Indoor Multipurpose Facility, a part of the Vanderbilt Recreation and Wellness Center at 2700 Children’s Way. The annual VUMC Picnic has also been added to this year’s event, and immediately following the program, attendees are invited to enjoy a full meal with their colleagues.
During a 75-minute program, employees will learn about current progress and future goals during the State of the Medical Center address from Jeff Balser, MD, PhD, president and CEO of VUMC and dean of the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. Attendees will also hear inspiring stories from patients and colleagues, as well as enjoy live entertainment and fun activities.
Two sessions are offered on Thursday, March 7. The first session is at 10:30 a.m., with doors opening at 10 a.m., and the second session is at 4:30 p.m., with doors opening at 4 p.m. On Friday, March 8, there is one session at 10:30 a.m., with doors opening at 10 a.m. Employees are encouraged to be in their seats no later than 10 minutes before the beginning of the program.
“Each day, our employees make an extraordinary difference in the lives of our patients, their families and each other,” said C. Wright Pinson, MBA, M.D., Deputy CEO and Chief Health System Officer of VUMC, Celebrate executive sponsor. “No matter what their role in research, education or clinical care, every member of the VUMC workforce is dedicated to serving others. Celebrate is a chance to come together as a community and recognize the enormous impact of everyone’s contributions.”
Celebrate is designed as an in-person, real-time, on-campus experience to enjoy with colleagues, so no livestream of the event will be available.
“Every member of our team is vital to the Medical Center’s continued success, and this is our opportunity to celebrate that,” said Marilyn Dubree, MSN, RN, Executive Chief Nursing Officer. “Anyone who participated in our Celebrate event in 2017 knows that the energy and enthusiasm from this gathering will re-energize you and strengthen your connection to our organization. We all make a difference, every day.”
Dubree and Paul Sternberg Jr., MD, Chief Medical Officer for the Vanderbilt Medical Group and VUMC’s Chief Patient Experience Officer, are co-chairs of the event.
“This is a true celebration and an event you don’t want to miss,” Sternberg said. “Dr. Balser has exciting updates to share, and we’ll be recognizing how we come together as a Medical Center to truly impact the lives of others. We’ve partnered with our leaders and managers across the enterprise to make arrangements that will make it very convenient for staff to attend one of the sessions. We also listened to concerns from our last Celebrate event and relocated activities to a space that is air conditioned for the comfort of all attendees.”
In order to ensure there are enough meals for everyone, registration is required. Register in the Learning Exchange. Search for “Celebrate2019,” and enroll in the specific session you are attending.
Employees who work at the 21st Avenue campus or surrounding locations such as 3401 West End and 2525 West End should park in their designated campus parking location. There will be complimentary parking in the 25th Avenue Garage (1400 25th Avenue South) for employees from One Hundred Oaks, Green Hills and Williamson County and surrounding counties. Carpooling is recommended.
“Celebrate Express,” a special shuttle service, will deliver employees to the Vanderbilt University Indoor Multipurpose Facility. Pickups start an hour before each session and will run approximately every five minutes from the Children’s Hospital shuttle pickup/drop-off shelter on Children’s Way and the Medical Center North Round Wing area. Return service is also provided after the event.
For more information about Celebrate, including parking and shuttle information, and a list of Frequently Asked Questions, please visit www.Celebrate2019.com.
