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6.1.2026

‘The First to Step In’: UVA Health Haymarket Medical Center BEE Awardee Supports Colleagues and Patients Through Positivity and Interpretation

“It’s about the collective effort we put forth here as a team … It’s like family and I am so proud to be part of it!" 

Congratulations to UVA Health Haymarket Medical Center Surgical Tech Lead Frances Arroyo, CST, on becoming a BEE Awardee! Fellow UVA Health team member Kathryn Farris, RN, Haymarket Medical Center Surgical Services, nominated Arroyo for "Being Excellent Everyday" in her work in the operating room.

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Farris hails Arroyo’s dependable strengths: “Her professionalism, skill, and dedication unite our surgical team and ensure every case runs smoothly and efficiently. She remains calm under pressure and is the first to step in to help her fellow teammates. She maintains a positive, supportive attitude that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of her coworkers and patients.”

Creating an Atmosphere of Safety

Farris recounts a specific illustration of Arroyo’s skill and personal touch: Verified Interpreter Proficient (VIP) training, provided via UVA Health’s VIP program, designates team members communicating in Spanish with a patient — or their family or caregiver — as proficient not only in the language but also in medical terminology, procedures, and concepts of care.

Farris describes: “Recently, Frances was the scrub technologist for an after-hours surgical procedure. The patient required Spanish interpretation, and we had no concerns because Frances was there to translate for the surgeon, anesthesia, and staff. Her ability to bridge the language gap created an atmosphere of safety and security for the patient and team. She also offered to stay and translate for the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) team.

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“When the case was over, Frances then went to talk to the patient’s family member … and personally escorted them upstairs so they wouldn't get lost.

"Frances is a wonderful team member, and we are so lucky to have her as part of our work family.”

In Her Own Words

Arroyo has been with UVA Health since 2018. When asked about her career goals, she comments on the importance of assisting in and learning to become of service to the patients: “I see myself continuing to do this for a long time.” 

Speaking to the significance of the BEE Award to her, she states: “Recognition is wonderful for a job well done, but it is not just me. It’s about the collective effort we put forth here as a team. We have such a great team that … sees the need and fills it with no complaints — we know the job needs to be done and we make it happen. It’s like family, and I am so proud to be part of it! This award is for everyone I work with — from aides, to techs, to nurses. Thank you!”

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Francss-Arroyo_BEE-Award_UVA-Community-Health

Recipients go above and beyond to support our mission and uplift our teams. Nominate a UVA Health Culpeper, Haymarket, or Prince William Medical Center, or Medical Group team member, for a BEE Award!

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