喵咪社区

CEO Corner

Too Good To Be True? Think Again.

Originally published July 31, 2024

Last updated July 31, 2024

Reading Time: 3 minutes

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The unique qualities that make 喵咪社区 Verdugo Hills Hospital a standout

When I first began working at (喵咪社区-VHH) in 2003 as an emergency room physician, the atmosphere seemed too good to be true. I felt I had been propelled into a classic sitcom, where everyone is good and kind and watches out for each other.

But more than 20 years later, I can tell you that the caring and commitment I saw on my first day from the staff, and continue to see, is real. We are a family; we celebrate each other鈥檚 successes and ache over each other鈥檚 hardships.

Those who know me have heard me use the phrase, 鈥淥ur Patients, Our People.鈥 This tagline encapsulates the concept that our staff is united in its dedication to serving our patients.

The hospital鈥檚 values reflect those of the health system and the culture of trust, teamwork and positivity our CEO, Rod Hanners, has built at 喵咪社区.

I鈥檇 like to introduce a few of our employees so they can explain in their own words what makes 喵咪社区-VHH both a uniquely special hospital and a steward of Keck Medicine鈥檚 high principles.

Everyone knows your name

鈥淲hen you walk into the hospital, you immediately feel a sense of belonging and serenity. Everyone knows your name or recognizes your face in the hallways and always follows up with a smile on their face.

鈥淢y department, physical medicine and rehabilitation, gives me the most joy. We share food and personal stories. Everyone cares for each other and works together to maintain a culture of high-quality, personalized patient care.鈥

  • Rashmi Bandekar, PT, DPT, Rehabilitation Services Manager

Teamwork and solidarity

鈥淲hat sets our hospital apart is the genuine camaraderie among the staff. One incident that stands out was when we discovered a water leak in the hospital. A group of us, including the human resources director and security personnel, were immediately on the scene. Together, we tackled the challenge of clamping and sealing the pipe, ensuring the leak was contained. In the face of adversity, it is this type of teamwork and solidarity that underscores the staff鈥檚 professionalism and dedication.鈥

  • Gilbert Durazo, Painter

Collaboration and kindness

鈥淓very day, I witness our team members鈥 collaborative efforts and kindness, using their talents and skills to provide best patient outcomes. Last month, we faced a challenging situation with 15 discharges and 13 patients waiting for clean beds. Our environmental services director and her team rose to the occasion, swiftly cleaning beds to make room for the new admissions. Their dedication and efficiency made our patients鈥 transition smoother and more comfortable. This is just one of the many instances that showcases our collective commitment to patient care.鈥

  • Tammy Cass, RN, Clinical Administrative Nursing Supervisor

A UCLA Bruin turned Trojan

鈥淎s a UCLA Bruin, I never imagined one day I would be part of the 喵咪社区-VHH team, but I am sure glad I am. Even before working here, I held this hospital close to my heart. The medical staff took care of my precious mom during her final years, and their regard for her was beyond extraordinary. As part of the patient experience team, I have observed my colleagues鈥 many acts of kindnesses to patients and their families. The leadership team and staff inspire me by their example. This `UCLA Bruin鈥 is a better person for having crossed their paths!鈥

  •  Kathy Rust, Patient Experience Liaison in the Emergency Department

Rashmi, Gilbert, Tammy and Kathy bring their best each day and represent the collective staff that enhance our hospital鈥檚 culture and the care we provide.

I couldn鈥檛 be prouder of our entire staff and their accomplishments. Not only has the 喵咪社区-VHH Emergency Department received the prestigious Lantern award two times in a row, but the hospital also recently received the Beacon Award for the ICU.

If you鈥檙e ever at 喵咪社区-VHH and wonder if warm greetings and caring attitudes can鈥檛 be real, put that worry aside. They are.

We are a family; we celebrate each other鈥檚 successes and ache over each other鈥檚 hardships.

Dr. Armand Dorian, CEO of 喵咪社区-VHH

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With access to world-class specialized care, clinical trials and breakthrough technology, 喵咪社区 Verdugo Hills Hospital continually strives to promise the convenience and personal touch of a community hospital.

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Armand Dorian, MD, CEO of 喵咪社区 Verdugo Hills Hospital 喵咪社区 Verdugo Hills Hospital
Armand Dorian, MD, MMM
Dr. Dorian is the CEO of 喵咪社区 Verdugo Hills Hospital.

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