Times of transition are strenuous, but I love them. They are an opportunity to purge, rethink priorities, and be intentional about new habits. We can make our new normal any way we want. – By Kristin Armstrong
Here are some shout-outs, images and thoughts that team members have shared.
What are you grateful for?
“Being furloughed made me grateful for the little things I miss with my son that I take for granted. It made us slow down and cherish life. It reminded me why I work so hard and why I’m thankful for my job at USOSM. I am fortunate to work for an amazing company that gives me the opportunity to provide a beautiful life for my son but also share those special moments with him because of how I can provide. Truly blessed to be part of company that takes care of me so I can take care of him.” – Rachel DiPietro – Practice Management System Administrator
“Since the pandemic, I have realized how grateful I am for the strong leadership and foundation we have. I knew we always had that structure, but I never really understood how much, ‘til now. Although our company had to conduct many furloughs throughout every department (which I know was not an easy thing to do), they were still able to maintain the team environment; no job too big, too small and no ask is too much – no matter the time of day. I have been with USOSM since day 1 of partnering in 2017 and as we are required to be socially distant – I have never felt closer to my team. COVID-19 has not and will not defeat us.” – Krystle Prieto – Manager, Practice Transition & Systems Training
“COVID has made me appreciate the limitations of planning. I am a planner by nature but much of this situation defied planning. It was an exercise in rolling with the punches, taking things day by day—in both my personal and professional life. And I’m incredibly thankful for the way USOSM team members have exemplified this— they have been willing to step outside of their comfort zone and learn new things, support their practice, doctors and patients in whatever way was needed. We shine the brightest when we come together in a pinch, put on whatever “hat” is required to get the job done!” – Ashley Tapp – Director, Practice Transition
Shout-outs!
Jamie Fickle, Procurement Specialist
“Please join us in giving a huge shout-out to Jamie Fickle, Procurement Specialist, with our Austin Oral Surgery partner practice! Jamie has performed a ‘herculean’ effort toward standardizing supply inventories by working with each office to establish PAR levels that will help with future supply procurement and management. She has also created and implemented a centralized ordering processes and, has negotiated pricing on many of our supply items. AND, she’s done all of this in the midst of COVID-19 demands, stringency and supply deficiencies! Additionally, Jamie has been the primary point of contact for ensuring that each partner practice and some of our referral offices have all ADA and CDC recommended PPE to ensure the well-being of our staff and doctors. I mean, come on, who wouldn’t want to be knee-deep in mask, gowns, face shields, shoe and head coverings, and last but not least, hand sanitizer!
Please take a moment and shoot Jamie an e-mail at Jamie.Fickle@austinoms.com, and let her know how much you appreciate her tireless efforts toward helping to ensure the safety of those in our partner practices. Having the necessary PPE not only provides the required safeguards during this season, it affords us the ability to provide exceptional patient care to those who entrust us with their oral and maxillofacial needs. Way to go Jamie!!!” – Mary Nixon, Vice President of Practice Transition
Alamo Maxillofacial Surgical Associates
“They have always been a strong team but through these trying times, their physical and mental capabilities have been tested – and because of that they are even stronger!” – Brandon Contreras, Regional Operations Director
Austin Oral Surgery Surgical Techs
“Talk about team work! These surgical techs from Austin Oral Surgery, Malena Covalt (Left) and Raquel Mondragon (Right), have been traveling to help out in our other USOSM partner practice, Waco Oral Surgery & Dental Implants. We appreciate all the time and effort you have provided for the team! Thank you!” – Courtney Harman, Chief Operating Officer