| Keep the Gratitude Going | Last week, our Recognition Committee rolled out the department's new program through a week-long Appreciation Drive, featuring an interactive liveWELL seminar on gratitude in the workplace, a Recognition for Leaders seminar geared towards helping supervisors recognize their direct reports, our annual Employee Appreciation Event, and the announcement of the new Peds WECARE Award, which will go live for nominations on January 1, 2023. As a reminder, to be sure the items in the "gift closet" that awardees will have access to are meaningful to you, we are seeking feedback on the types of items we will stock (click here to provide feedback).
Finally, we completed a thank you card challenge last week that resulted in almost 500 notes of gratitude being written and sent within our department in just four days. We encourage you to continue to write these notes of gratitude when the moment strikes, and share your ideas for expressing gratitude and recognition in the workplace. Notecards are available for pickup in the Pediatrics administration offices on the second floor of Boyd Tower, in Pediatrics HR offices on the first floor of the General Hospital, or we can send you and your team a stack to have on hand. Email Claire McGranahan to request notecards sent via interoffice mail.
| | | | October Milestone Anniversaries Congratulations to the following people on hitting milestone anniversaries in October!
- Connie Phommaly, division of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, celebrating 5 years on October 22.
- Melanie Wellington MD, PhD, division of Infectious Diseases, celebrating 5 years on October 24.
- Stacia Koppenhafer, division of Hematology-Oncology, celebrating 25 years on October 27.
- Ashley Guerrero, RN, BSN, division of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, celebrating 5 years on October 29.
Feeling unwell? Tested positive for COVID-19? Know who to call and how to report
If you're experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, there's now an additional way to schedule a COVID-19 test. Employees can now use the MyChart self-checker to schedule a COVID-19 test. For instructions and more information, check out the Loop.
Walk-in mammography screening available through October
It's now easier than ever to get your mammogram. Simply walk in to one of our three convenient locations: UI Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa River Landing and North Dodge. No appointment or doctor referral needed. | | | Preview of 2023 benefits The annual benefits open enrollment for faculty and staff will open at 8:00 a.m. on November 1, 2022, and close at 5:00 p.m. on November 15, 2022. The University Benefits Office is sharing this information with you now so you have time to consider your options before open enrollment when you need to make final decisions about your 2023 insurance benefits.
You will receive an email with additional open enrollment information on November 1, 2022. The following summarizes plan cost and coverage changes for 2023:
- Dental insurance premiums will increase modestly.
- Health Insurance premiums will increase, similar to national trends, However, UISelect will continue to have access to a zero-premium option for Employee Only and Double Spouse Family.
- Copayments for office visits, deductibles, and medical and pharmacy out-of-pocket maximums (OPM) are changing for UIChoice and UISelect health plans.
Visit the University Benefits website for new premium rates for Dental II, UIChoice, and UISelect.
Flexible Spending Account Maximum
The Health Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) maximum will increase to $2,850 for 2023. If you wish to participate in the FSA program for 2023, you must re-enroll during the open enrollment period.
For more information and a full overview of the 2032 benefits, visit 2023 Annual Benefits Open Enrollment. | | | | Spot Award Winners Congratulations to the following individuals on receiving Spot Award Nominations! Spot Awards are given to individuals who exceed expectations or show outstanding performance.
- Alison Currie
- Amanda Bollinger
- Nicole Fetters
Making a Difference Award Winner
Congratulations to Dawn (Shelly) Flynn, ARNP for receiving The Making a Difference Award. The Making a Difference program is designed to recognize individuals who performed in an exemplary manner, consistent with the goals of service excellence, and with a commitment to quality care.
"With years of experience as a patient & employee at UIHC, Shelly is special. Her dedication & commitment to her patients and their families is amazing and continues to help us get the resources we need. The UIHC is lucky to have her. I wanted to make sure you know how much her dedication is appreciated and valued. She is truly a gift to patients and family members." - Brenda S, Patient's Family who nominated Shelly.
Patient Comments from the Pediatric Specialty Clinic
"Dr. Kanner is always patient, caring, and answers all of our questions. We love coming to see her!" -patient of Lauren Kanner, MD.
"Dr. Halyko and his staff in the Pediatric Hematology department are amazing." -patient of Michael Halyko, MD.
"Loved Dr. Schultz! Very informative and listened to our concerns. My daughter loved her!" -patient of Katherine Schultz, MD. | | | UI Research Services Fair The Research Services Fair (RSF) is a vendor-style fair that provides an opportunity for researchers to learn about campus resources and services available for their research and scholarship activities.
When: October 20, 2022, 1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Where: Hancher Auditorium, 141 E Park Rd. Iowa City, IA 52242
Attendance is free, but registration is required. To Register, and for More Information.
College of Education - SSTP Mentorship Opportunities
The College of Education hosts high-achieving high school students capable of college-level research for 5 weeks during the summer. The College of Education selects a student whose research interests align with yours. You have final approval over the selection. Then, the student completes a summer research project under your mentorship.
Interested in becoming a mentor? Read the flyer for full details and reach out to Ashlee Donithan, MAT for more information!
Fall 2022 AYA Awards
The Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center invites applications from departments to apply for an Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) research award which benefits cancer patients diagnosed between 13 to 39 years of age. AYA awards will be available for submission bi-annually in the fall and spring. The application deadline is Monday, November 7, 2022, at 12:00 p.m.
Contact Michelle Altmaier for questions. Click here for additional Cancer Research Funding Opportunities.
| | | | Health and Well-Being Fair Well-Being at the University of Iowa is a process focused on life-long learning that promotes and sustains optimal health, personal connectedness, meaningful experiences, and purposeful life. All UI employees are invited to attend the 2022 Health and Well-Being Fair!
When: Wednesday, November 2, 2022, 7:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Where: UI Field House Main Deck
| | | Mindful Moments - 21 Days of Mindfulness Skills Join liveWELL in a 3-week program to gain an understanding of mindfulness skills that will help you work toward a more calm and present state in your everyday live. liveWELL has partnered with students from the Department of Health and Human Physiology to come up with 21 activities that you can use to practice mindfulness using your senses, breath, and reflection.
When: Mindfulness Moments runs from Monday, October 31, 2022 - Sunday, November 20, 2022
How: Download the Mindful Moments Daily Planner, and use it to track the different mindfulness activities you complete throughout each week of the challenge.
Register Now!
| | | | Pediatric patients reunite with their care team for a day of fun Families and friends of pediatric oncology patients gathered for Health Care Hero Appreciation Day at the Field of Dreams last month. The day of fun reunites patients with the doctors, nurses, and staff who made such a difference in their lives. David Dickens, MD, FAAP started the event in 2021.
The day gives kids, as well as their families and friends, the opportunity to express gratitude and grow their support network. For more photos and the full story, visit the Dyersville Commercial.
UI law enforcement reports uptick in bike theft
Bike thefts are on the rise on campus at the University of Iowa. The UI Department of Public Safety reported a steady increase in bike thefts across campus in recent years with a specific uptick in electronic bike - or e-bike- thefts. The department partnered with UI Parking and Transportation to register more Iowa City bikes. The Bike Index, a national bike registry, was introduced to campus in August as an important step in tackling this issue. Register your bike today! | | | UI Entrepreneurial Finance class project becomes fundraiser for Children's Hospital What began as an innovative class project turned into a fundraiser for the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital. In the University of Iowa's Entrepreneurial Finance class, students are taught about starting a small business and managing finances through a product-selling project called "$20 Startup." Students from this class took it upon themselves to donate parts of their proceeds to the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital.
Read the full story HERE!
How UI Health Care contributes to our national writing reputation
The University of Iowa's commitment to helping all students build strong writing and communication skills is evident across campus and in every field of study. Within the Carver College of Medicine is the Writing and Humanities Program, which focuses on providing students with the humanistic and artistic dimensions of their medical education.
The program also produces the Examined Life Journal, a publication of the Carver College of Medicine, and The Short Coat Podcast. | | | Annual Reminder about Halloween Costumes | 
*Photo depicts appropriate workplace costumes (taken prior to 2020). Please note, staff in capes remove them prior to entering a patient room to deliver direct patient care*
Halloween is almost here, making it a good time to remind everyone working, learning, and volunteering at UI Health Care that the Professional Appearance Policy (HR.P.9) prohibits holiday or event-themed costumes, including Halloween costumes.
Because play is an evidence-based and critical component of care for pediatric patients at UI Stead Family Children's Hospital, an exception to the policy will be allowed on Monday, October 31 for the following staff:
- From 7:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., UI Stead Family Children's Hospital staff whose primary clinical assignment is in UI Stead Family Children's Hospital inpatient units and clinics may wear appropriate, kid-friendly costumes that are clean and in good condition that do not interfere with donning and doffing of required personal protective equipment.
- As always, clinical staff must wear their ID badges without attachments and with picture/name visible while on duty (no lanyards, badge must be worn at lapel level, NOT on waist or belt).
The following costumes/accessories are not permitted:
- Masks or other full-face coverings
- Costume that interferes with clinical duties and/or patient safety (e.g. capes)
- Costumes depicting monsters, death, controversial political figures or other frightening characters
- Items resembling guns or weapons
- Costumes which promote harmful stereotypes, including those based on race, creed (religion), color, national origin, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity
- Costumes that are of a revealing nature that would not be considered acceptable under normal work circumstances
- Unclean or soiled clothing items
All other faculty, staff, student employees, and volunteers are expected to adhere to the Professional Appearance policy by not wearing Halloween costumes, masks, or makeup. Thank you for helping to ensure a safe and respectful work environment. | | | |
