St. Anthony Health-Crown Point Nurses Select Venkat Vavilala for 2015 Service Award

Venkat-VavilalaVenkat Vavilala, MD, a nephrologist, is this year’s recipient of Franciscan St. Anthony Health-Crown Point’s St. Raphael Award, which, since 2005, has recognized physicians who have improved patient care through the nurse-doctor relationship.

The award is named for Raphael, a patron saint of physicians and nurses.

Dr. Vavilala, who has been in practice since 2003 at Franciscan St. Anthony Health, was presented the honor by Angela Stamper, a registered nurse, who is chair of the hospital’s Performance Improvement Council-Shared Decision-Making. The council receives nurses’ nominations.

“I was surprised to receive the award,” he said, adding, he believes nurses are more deserving.

“Nurses are the hardest-working people in health care; they do 90 percent of the work and have the most contact with the patients. Doctors give out the orders, but the nurses must execute them. To be honored by them is really wonderful,” he added.

Among their accolades in nominating Vavilala, nurses said:
“He not only is concerned with patients, but goes the extra mile by taking the time to ask how the nurses are doing and to talk to the care team. He makes us feel important.

“He takes the time to explain what is going on with patients and why we need to do, ‘a, b, and c.’

“He expects his patients to be well cared for and to have positive outcomes. Even when they transition to rehab, he follows up to make sure they are doing well.

“He grows with the changes, accepts the changes, educates staff of the changes and keeps the family apprised of all that is taking place.

“He has been true to the Franciscan values for many years and continues with joyful service.”