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This access lead also “consistently puts patients first while displaying the ASPIRE values that our health system strives for."

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 Medical Officer Reid Adams, MD, and BEE Award Committee Chair Hannah Kolpack surprised Tyrrell Hester, Access Lead, Cardiovascular Surgery Center, with the BEE Award.

April Howell, RN, Director, Heart and Vascular Center, submitted the nomination:

"Ty is exceptional! The customer service he exhibits is outstanding. It warms my heart. He is patient, kind, respectful, and helpful. A wonderful example for all of us to live by! Almost on a weekly basis, someone tells me how wonderful Ty is. Here are some examples:

'I am sure you all already know this, but I just wanted to say how much of a delight Ty is in the office. Talking to patients and their families, he is always incredibly gracious, understanding, and patient. He never gets frustrated even when he's in circular conversations that sound incredibly painful, and he does all of this with a smile. Whenever I ask him for help with anything, he immediately takes care of it. I've never heard him complain or make excuses about anything. He's truly a pleasure to work with. I have absolutely no idea what his long-term plans are, but whatever we can do to keep him on our team, we should!'

— Nicholas Teman, MD, FACS

'Behzad Farivar, MD, and his patient and family member, had nothing but high remarks for the care received by your clinic! They were very anxious when the patient was diagnosed. The family member researched, stated they knew the patient needed to see Dr. Farivar, and called for an appointment. They said Ty helped to alleviate any anxiety by expediting the referral; they were called back by JeanMarie O'Malley, RN Care Coordinator, within 45 minutes of initial call to get the patient seen; and patient was seen in clinic and had an endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) within 13 days of referral. They were very grateful!

'I personally want to thank each of you for the kindness and consideration you show to all of our patients. It makes me proud to be a part of this team!

'In another case, a patient's family member asked to speak with me about care they had received. I know I won't do her justice trying to remember all the adjectives she used to describe Ty. The patient, from several states away, was planning to move to Virginia when they were diagnosed with an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). The family found Dr. Farivar at UVA Health. From the moment they called the office, they said Ty was friendly, knowledgeable, and very helpful. He got the patient's records transferred and made an appointment for a week later.

'The family raved, 'Ty was wonderful. Not just here for a paycheck. He really cares about the patients and his job. A model employee who deserves a big raise; he's been a blessing to us! Super helpful and went the extra mile!'

'After the family member spent 15 minutes singing Ty's praises, the patient came out of the room. Ty went to shake hands, but the patient's family member was not having that — and proceeded to give Ty a huge bear hug.'

— Robbin Shifflett, BSN, RN-BC

'Several of Dr. Farivar's patients mentioned what an amazing job Ty does and how polite, respectful, and professional he is in helping to set up appointments. The patients are all so grateful, they ask to meet him before they leave!

'This is not uncommon to hear about Ty and how he conducts himself daily. He puts the patients first and speaks to them in a kind, compassionate manner. Since the interaction with our admin team is often the first impression our patients get of UVA Health, the importance of this team and their interactions with patients cannot be understated.

'I think Ty would be very deserving of recognition regarding his hard work as he consistently puts patients first while displaying the ASPIRE values that our health system strives for.'

— Jennifer Choffel, APP

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.