Celebrating DOM Administrative Heroes

Rachel Wall, Provider Support Assistant, Gastroenterology
Nominator: Dr. Jinyu Zhang 

Rachel has consistently gone above and beyond to make sure that patient behind-the-scenes work gets completed. For example, she is timely in printing/mailing pathology letters to patients without MyChart. She is diligent in scanning outside records into the EMR. This helps streamline things such that I can focus on providing better patient care. 

Kayleigh Scott, Team Lead, Gastroenterology
Nominator: Jennie Slate 

Kayleigh has transformed the way we approach data reporting, appointment access, and unscheduled case management. She is the architect behind several new tools that have enhanced our ability to visualize clinic and endoscopy access and respond to gaps in real time. Her work is not only technically impressive—it is action-driving. She listens carefully to what clinical and administrative leaders need, then builds dynamic, user-friendly tools that empower decision-making. She makes messy problems manageable.  

Beyond her technical skills, Kayleigh is simply a phenomenal partner. She is responsive, thoughtful, and always willing to take on a challenge. She regularly engages with our leadership team to refine workflows and reports, taking the time to ask smart questions and ensure the end product aligns with our goals. Whether it’s helping reschedule a clinic, coordinating with multiple teams across locations, or refining metrics with surgical precision—Kayleigh does it with enthusiasm and excellence. 

She brings energy and clarity to every conversation, and she sees opportunities for improvement where others might only see obstacles. I trust her judgment and initiative completely. She is not only an exceptional colleague—she’s the kind of person who raises the bar for everyone around her. Kayleigh is more than deserving of this recognition. She is a cornerstone of our operations and someone I am grateful to work with every single day. 

Jennie Slate, MBA, Division Administrator, Gastroenterology 
Nominator: Anna Baker 

I want to recognize Jennie because of her unwavering dedication, efficiency, and positive attitude. She goes above and beyond every day to keep things running smoothly in our division, ensuring that operations are seamless and that everyone has the support they need. Her keen attention to detail, exceptional organizational skills, and proactive problem-solving make her an invaluable asset to the team. Beyond her technical expertise, Jennie brings professionalism to every interaction. She is always ready to lend a helping hand, whether it's managing schedules, coordinating projects, or handling last-minute challenges with grace. Her ability to juggle multiple responsibilities while maintaining a calm and friendly demeanor inspires those around her. Jennie’s contributions may often happen behind the scenes, but they have a profound impact on the success of the organization. Her dedication doesn’t go unnoticed, and her efforts make a real difference every day. 

Nominator: Dr. Julius Wilder
Jen Slate has been one of the most important leaders of our division since she joined. She has served multiple vital roles as she has ascended to her current leadership role, often holding multiple jobs at one time as she does now. Despite the constant change and complicated issues we have as an organization, Jen has helped our division navigate these challenges successfully. She is a servant leader who believes strongly in equity and models citizenship and accountability. We are a better division because Jen Slate is our DA.

Ashley Dellinger, Financial Manager, Gastroenterology
Nominator: Jennie Slate 

I am honored to nominate Ashley Dellinger for her exceptional contributions to our administrative and financial operations within the Division of GI. Ashley is not only a brilliant financial analyst—she is the connective tissue that holds many of our most complex and high-stakes initiatives together.  

Ashley’s knowledge of research and finance operations is deep and wide-ranging. Whether navigating multi-fund budgeting for fellowship programs, resolving procurement workflows, or flagging and correcting discrepancies in lease charges, she is the first person I turn to—and the one I trust to get it right. Her ability to manage multiple systems and ensure financial accuracy across DHIP, SOM, VA, and other institutional funding sources is indispensable. In the past fiscal year alone, Ashley played a central role in our financial management, skillfully managing data across dozens of funding streams. She also ensured timely payments for institutional sponsorships, addressed coding questions with clarity, and coordinated closely with finance leadership on critical initiatives that impact clinical and research operations.  

Beyond her technical expertise, Ashley is genuinely a joy to work with. She is responsive, clear, thoughtful, and always one step ahead. I have lost count of how many times her institutional knowledge has saved me hours—or prevented costly mistakes. She is a behind-the-scenes powerhouse whose work enables so much across the division.  

Ashley’s contributions are often invisible to those outside our immediate team, but they are foundational to our success. I cannot imagine doing this work without her, and I enthusiastically recommend her for recognition. 

Rommel Shipman, Comparative Medicine Specialist Assistant Manager
Nominator: Shibiyoti Debnath, PhD, Medical Oncology 

He is always helpful and highly responsive. I recall a time on a Saturday when my building access card wasn’t working. I had my cells ready for injection, and it was a one-shot experiment—an incredibly stressful situation. By mistake, I gave him a missed call on his phone instead of emailing him. Despite this, he kindly returned my call, patiently listened to my issue, and decided to come over. He ensured I was able to get in the building and complete my work, while also guiding me on how to fix my access card. That day, he saved my experiment. As a follow-up, he ensured the issue was resolved by emailing the necessary contacts.  

He is truly a silent hero. I appreciate his dedication and compassion. 

Alexa Endrusick, Provider Support Assistant, Pulmonology and Critical Care
Nominator: Dr. Jyotsna Mullur 

I am writing to formally recognize and commend Alexa Endrusick for her outstanding contributions to clinical operations and patient care, through her exceptional communication skills, organizational expertise, and critical thinking abilities. Her dedication to enhancing the quality of care provided by our team has not gone unnoticed, and is deeply appreciated. Alexa has excelled in her role and exceeds all expectations. She has accomplished this through her remarkable ability to communicate and connect with patients, families, providers, and staff. She is able to bridge gaps in knowledge, expectations, and understanding to ensure that all parties are well-informed and engaged in the care process. Her empathetic approach and clarity in communication have significantly improved patient satisfaction and trust in our services. 
 
Moreover, Alexa exhibits remarkable critical thinking and problem-solving skills, allowing her to assess complex situations swiftly and make informed decisions that benefit both patients and the health care team. She has solved innumerable complex logistical issues, often on short notice with time pressure. Her proactive approach to problem-solving and her ability to anticipate potential challenges have been invaluable in maintaining the high standards of care we strive to deliver, and improving efficacy in our processes. Her contributions have not only enhanced the patient's experience but have also served as an inspiration to her peers, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment. Alexa's commitment to excellence exemplifies the core values of our institution and sets a benchmark for others to follow. 

Chanelle Dixon, Staff Assistant, Pulmonary and Critical Care
Nominator: Lisa Carver, RN

Chanelle is AWESOME!!!! She is very pro-active, efficient, and a true back bone to our group. She is extremely helpful and if she does not have an answer to a question, she will go out of her way to find an answer. We would be lost without her and I want to make sure she knows how appreciated she is!

Nominator: Aimee Lou S. Babiera

Chanelle is the best and I want to make sure she is recognized for all her hard work! There have been numerous occasions when our providers have had family emergencies and had to cancel clinics last minute and she is able to contact, reschedule patients and keep everyone updated. She is always willing to help. Chanelle is excellent at following up and keeping providers and nurses on track. She is integral to our office and all around a great coworker. I appreciate her so much and know that everyone in the office feels the same way.

Elizabeth Powell, Program Coordinator, Endocrinology and Metabolism 
Nominator: Dr. Jennifer Rowell

Elizabeth Powell has supported our division for as long as I can remember! She was a shining star at our scheduling hub when I first started on faculty 14 years ago and was assigned to support Endocrinology. She always goes above and beyond to help with last minute emergency scheduling needs. I remember her driving through snow and ice to come in and help before we had virtual work options. We were fortunate to recruit her to our division access team over a decade ago and she has advanced to an access leader. She is always happy, positive, and full of energy even during the most challenging times when we have to pivot (i.e. COVID pandemic). She is creative, bright and thoughtful and helps figure out all our access and scheduling problems. Our sick patients who need to see us ASAP as well as the providers couldn't survive without her daily problem solving!

Dawn O'Briant, Staff Assistant, Rheumatology and Immunology
Nominator: Mia Winstead

Dawn is a veteran staff assistant in Rheumatology. She knows the ins and outs of rheumatology. Dawn is an intricate part of the fellows program and assisting them. She has dedicated over 40 years of her life to assisting rheumatology provider, fellows, staff and patients. She is truly dedicated to her career.

Sonya Cameron, Lead Staff Assistant, Rheumatology and Immunology
Nominator: Mia Winstead

Sonya, is truly a hard worker. She always goes above and beyond no matter what the task brings. She is very smart, intelligent and intuitive. Sonya is very knowledgeable and inquisitive on the tasks that are brought to her. She has a positive and caring attitude that comforts everyone she meets.

Dana Powers,  Program Director, Gastroenterology
Nominator: Dr. Malcolm Stanley Branch

Dana is the person who keeps our division office running. She is always helpful and goes above and beyond to make sure we have what we need. She always follows up to make whatever issue has been addressed. And does all this with a smile. She is an exceptional individual that we all depend upon.

Shirley Perry, Access Coordinator, Gastroenterology
Nominator: Dr. Melissa Teitelman

Shirley is amazing. In my leadership position, I am asked to make appointments for VIPs, for urgent patients, for frustrated patients. I can always count on Shirley. She is professional, she is responsive and she is reliable. I have never had to ask her twice and she always gets these requests done in a timely fashion and appropriately. I am so fortunate to work with Shirley.

Cheryl Burt, Administrative Assistant, Gastroenterology
Nominator: Melissa Teitelman, MD

Cheryl is amazing. I have many patients that contact me with scheduling frustrations and she is responsive and professional and is reliable. I have never had to follow up or ask her twice to do a task. I count on her to help me care for my patients and she makes it possible for me to efficiently move through my day. She takes stress off my plate and I am so fortunate to work with her.

Elvira Sanchez Perez, Staff Assistant, Division of Gastroenterology   
Nominator:  Dr. Jeremy Glissen Brown

Elvira is an absolutely exemplary staff assistant. She has grown so much in the three years I have known her and goes above and beyond for our patients every day.

Jacob Crim, Special Assistant, Gastroenterology 
Nominator: Dr. Andrew Muir

Jacob Crim serves as the administrative assistant to me as the division chief and our clinical vice chief. In his role, he keeps our offices and calendars organized. His precision in his approach is very meaningful to the experience of everyone who interacts with our office. Beyond his skills, Jacob brings so much more to the position. He sees the bigger picture of the mission and brings forward ideas. He is a problem solver. You will never hear him clarifying if something is in his job description. He gets things done – and with such a positive attitude. We all benefit from his cooking and baking skills, and he does so much to contribute to our culture and to build community for us.

Pamela G. Williams, Administrative Coordinator, Department of Medicine
Nominator: Dr. Carla W. Brady

Pamela G. Williams is an amazing administrative coordinator!  She deeply cares about her work, and she completes all tasks to the highest standards. She is a wonderful person, and it is a joy to work with her.