Connect

“He exhibits a professionalism about him while also being compassionate and lending a listening ear. I am extremely grateful."

The Nursing Professional Governance Organization honors up to two UVA Health University Medical Center team members each month with a BEE (Being Excellent Everyday) Award.

UVA Health University Medical Center Chief Operating Officer Min Lee, MBA, MHA, and BEE Award Committee Chair Hannah Kolpack surprised Ryan Fillis, PharmD, Ambulatory Pharmacy, Education Resource Center, with a BEE Award. A patient submitted the nomination:

"I had a really hard time getting the Bexsero vaccine. It's needed as part of a therapy I am on for Myasthenia gravis. I had it arranged to receive in my hometown. I had called a local pharmacy to make sure they had it and was told they did. When I arrived, I was informed I would not be able to receive the vaccine due to my age being over the FDA recommend age range. They said even with a prescription, they would not be able to administer it. So I called three other local pharmacies with no success. My neurologist team told me to go to the UVA Health Pharmacy ... that I would be able to receive the vaccine there with a prescription.

"The next day, I drove two hours to that pharmacy and met Ryan Fillis the pharmacist. He said he did not currently have the Bexsero vaccine in stock but would be able to order it for the next day. I told him I live two hours away. He then called at least four other pharmacies around the [Charlottesville] area, and the student health department. None of them had the Bexsero vaccine I needed.

"Mr. Fillis suggested I call two other pharmacies around the area. He let me know he could order it and I told him I would call back to let him know if I needed him to order it for me. I headed off to yet another pharmacy that told me they had the shot when I called them. When I arrived they told me they did not have it. After much frustration, and many calls to the neurology nurse line, the nurses said they had located the Bexsero and told me where I could get it. I waited at that pharmacy in Charlottesville for two hours for them to receive the prescription I was told would be sent over. When they received the prescription, I was told my insurance wouldn't cover it and I was unable to afford the cost. I began my two-hour drive back.

"This is when Mr. Fillis called me to follow up and make sure I had found and received the shot. When I told him I hadn't, he said he would order it for me if I could come back the next day. He scheduled an appointment and assured me that when he ran it through my insurance, it was covered 100%.

"I drove home frustrated and exhausted over having not received the vaccine, but hopeful I would get it. I arrived the next afternoon and Mr. Fillis had the prescription and the injection, and it was covered 100% through my insurance! He went above and beyond by calling around trying to find the vaccine for me and called me to ensure I had received the vaccine.

"He was kind and understanding. He exhibits a professionalism about him while also being compassionate and lending a listening ear. I am extremely grateful for Mr. Fillis going above and beyond to ensure I received the vaccine so I could continue the treatment for Myasthenia gravis. Thank you!"

Know a Deserving Team Member?

The BEE Award recognizes UVA Health University Medical Center team members who work alongside our nurses to impact patients' experiences — just as bees and flowers depend on one another. Submit a nomination.