The month of May brought together MedStar Health Research Institute associates at three locations for our biannual town halls. Hosted at University Town Center, MedStar Union Memorial Hospital, and MedStar Washington Hospital Center, the town halls help to engage and connect associates. Thank you to all the Research Institute associates who were able to join us at one of the Spring Town Halls in the last month.
Thank you to Alexander Kuhn, Saif Almushhadani, and Becky Montalvo for presenting our safety moment on the power of integration. With the connection between OnCore, our CTMS, and PowerChart, our electronic health record, their research team was able to be quickly notified that one of their patients had been admitted to the emergency department, allowing for quick reporting to the study sponsors with the relevant details.
At the Spring 2016 Town Halls, Neil Weissman introduced associates to the idea of the academic health system. As MedStar Health and the Research Institute continue to grow, we continue to make steps towards that system and the town halls updated our progress on the clinical side and on the supporting infrastructure. As part of our growth, we have:
- Expanded health and wellness to our patients through our clinical research in cardiology, diabetes, hepatitis C, and health services policy. This work is highlighted in our Advancing Health Report.
- Committed to continuing our partnership with Georgetown University.
- Implemented upgrades and new software to support our clinical infrastructure
One of the keys to our continued forward momentum is our commitment to our associates. With the results of last year’s Associate Engagement Survey and this year’s short Pulse Survey, we recognize that have areas of opportunity to engage associates.
Part of support of associates is in professional development and educational assistance. The Research Institute has set aside funds for all benefits-eligible associates to use towards their own professional development. Everyone has different opinions on what professional development means, so these funds can be used for how each associate defines professional growth. This includes conference attendance, travel, seminars, and certifications.
As part of the unified human resources structure at MedStar, benefits-eligible associates also have access to EdAssist, our educational assistance service provider. Our human resources team is currently working with EdAssist to expand the list of training that will be covered by tuition assistance.
The Pulse Survey includes a comment field and senior leadership is looking at these comments and evaluating options to address the feedback. Thank you to all associates who completed the survey and shared their comments.
Research would not be possible without our associates and without the patients who participate. Thank you to those who allow us to make the lives of our patients better today and in the future.
