I’m excited to shine this week’s highlight on someone who has a complete “focus on his team, rather than upon himself”. A true leader always prioritizes others’ interests and needs before their own, combining the strengths of individual team members to act as one toward a greater goal. Author of The Little Prince, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, said “If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up the men to gather wood, divide the work, and give orders. Instead, teach them to yearn for the vast and endless sea.”
This week’s Hugh Chatham Way Highlight focuses on someone who leads by example and whose team demonstrates true resilience and unity with one main objective – providing exceptional care, as ONE. Join me in celebrating Cardiopulmonary Director, Tommy Testerman, a humble servant of his people, Hugh Chatham, and our community.
The Hugh Chatham ICU Team shared a consensus view: “Tommy is very compassionate about his job and he is a team player. He goes out of his way to help and is always there when we need him. His clinical skill is exceptional, and he is an incredibly hard worker. Best of all, he always has a smile on his face!”
Monica Keener, Interim ED Clinical Nurse Manager, continued by saying, “Tommy is a wonderful respiratory therapist. He is a huge advocate for patients and treats everyone with the utmost respect. Tommy is always willing to give advice or just be a listening ear. I am thankful that he is on our team here at Hugh Chatham!“
Tommy and our Cardiopulmonary Team exemplify an “all-for-one-and-one-for-all” spirit with each patient encounter. They showcase our core values of Service, Teamwork, Accountability, Respect, and Safe Care (STARS) at all times; particularly during the complex treatments, difficult conversations, and most recently, in battling COVID-19 on the front lines.
Thank you, Tommy, for encouraging and inspiring your team. And all of us!
-Paul
