Janie McDonald
At 36, Janie McDonald, R.T., had her last child. That was number five. She earned her bachelors degree from UMKC in Liberal Arts and works full time as a radiological technologist at Baptist-Lutheran Medical Center. In addition to taking care of patients, she also teaches students studying to enter the field.
Five years later, McDonald is able to manage each role though, with ease and grace. "I'm in awe of her--she is organized and balances a lot in her life," said Gwen Harrison, director of radiology at Baptist-Lutheran. "Janie has very good values and high standards, reflecting a positive attitude no matter what the day brings." McDonald works with students as a clinical instructor in the radiology program teaching students how to position for x-rays and how to work the equipment. She also teaches specialty positioning classes at Research Medical Center.
"She is a great teacher," says Dustin Ward, senior student. "She looks out for us, and she is easy to relate to."
McDonald enjoys the versatility in her job and said that the interaction with her patients and students is "inspiring." She is a native of Kansas City. She has worked at Trinity Lutheran Hospital and North Kansas City Hospital. She serves as a volunteer for the United Way, she is an avid Girl Scouts Leader and supporter of the Boy Scouts. Janie is also active in the Parkhill School District PTA and teaches Sunday school.
Delwyn Folkers
Sometimes traditional tasks can be performed with such excellence that the work acquires an importance beyond its immediate function.
At Providence Medical Center, chart analyst Delwyn Folkers has established that level of quality. With the Medical Center since 2001, he faces the difficult task of assembling and analyzing surgical medical charts, often under the most hectic and demanding conditions. Despite these challenges, Folkers consistently excels in both the details of his work and his interaction with other employees. His co-workers frequently praise his work and cite his dedication as an example of providing excellence. Folkers' has very literally transformed his administrative work into a major component of his organization's success.
Folkers first entered the medical field when he joined the former Bethany Medical Center in 1984. He immediately established the work ethic and level of excellence that he continues to this day. In June 2001, he transferred to Providence Medical Center where he became chart analyst.
Folkers' efforts were recently recognized. For his chart analysis and other successes, he was named the Providence Medical center Employee of the Year for 2003.
Originally from Nebraska, Folkers resides in Kansas City, Kansas. He is an avid sports fan who enjoys watching his favorite team, the Kansas City Royals.
Tami Faris
Lymphedema is one of those medical conditions you never hear about--until its nightmare symptoms strike you or a loved one. Then even wearing normal clothing can become impossible because of the fluid build-up and swelling.
Tami Faris knows about those conditions because she sees them almost every day as an Occupational Therapist, CLT - LANA, on the Olathe Medical Center lymphedema treatment team. Thanks to her skill and compassion, many patients now have a mobility they had lost. Now they have hope. Lymphedema involves the previously irreversible swelling that occurs in the extremities. Faris cited one of her patients who could not walk up stairs or wear traditional pants because his legs were so swollen.
"After treatment, he is walking three miles a day, riding a bike and is wearing regular pants and tennis shoes," she noted. "It is just a great feeling to know that you can help someone feel better."
Faris pursued her specialty because of her own grandmother's battle with lymphedema. She gained extensive international training in the evaluation and treatment of lymphedema and is now nationally certified to provide this specialized type of care.
Besides her training, Faris brings extensive communications skill, explaining her work to patients while helping them return to many everyday activities.