STEFANIE SMITH NAMED EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR AT FLORIDA MEDICAL CENTER

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – May 4, 2005 -Stefanie Smith, a Supervisor in the Cardiopulmonary Department at Florida Medical Center, has been named Employee of the Year, it was announced recently by Aurelio Fernandez, Chief Executive Officer. 

In making the announcement at the annual Employee Service Awards dinner, Fernandez said, “Stefanie is an inspiration to all of us.  Her clinical expertise, dedication  and, above all, her caring and compassion for each of her patients make her not only a valuable asset to our hospital but a role model for her fellow employees to emulate.” 

In accepting the award, Smith expressed her happiness at working for Florida Medical Center.  “I love my job, my co-workers and especially the challenges of working in the cardiopulmonary field,” said Smith. She also pointed out the self-fulfillment and personal satisfaction she derives from caring for her patients.  “My primary job is to work with critically ill patients to deliver medication for those who can’t breathe, especially patients who are on ventilators and those who code,” explains Smith.  “I always feel good after I treat a patient.  It’s a great feeling knowing you have helped someone and gives a different kind of meaning to life.”

Smith graduated from Marian College in Indianapolis with an Associate’s Degree in Respiratory Therapy.  She later went on to earn her RRT Registry in 1993.  She began work at Florida Medical Center in 1989 as a Staff Therapist and was promoted to a supervisory position in 2005.  A single mother of two boys, Christopher, 15, and Nicholas, 12, Smith resides in Davie, Florida.

The Employee of the Year Award at Florida Medical Center is the highest honor bestowed upon an employee, chosen by their peers in recognition of outstanding performance, positive attitude, professional and personal skills, teamwork, loyalty, dedication and commitment to delivering the highest quality of patient care.