Clínica Romero’s Internal Communications Committee Newsletter
April 23, 2007 Spring Edition	Volume 1, Number 3
In This Issue · All Staff Retreat · Msr. Romero’s Commemoration · Employee’s of the Quarter · Honoring Outstanding Volunteers · Welcome New Employee · From the Executive Director’s Desk Clínica Msr. Oscar A. Romero~Alvarado 123 South Alvarado Los Angeles, CA 90057 (213) 989-7700 Clínica Msr Oscar A. Romero~Northeast 2032 Marengo Street Los Angeles, CA 90033 (323) 987-1030 Clínica Msr Oscar A. Romero~Community Center 318 S. Alvarado Street Los Angeles, CA 90057 (213) 201-1777	Customer Service QI Retreat On February 23, 2007 Clinica Romero held our Customer Service Retreat at the California Endowment. We focused on understanding the work each of us does and how to improve our work environment for patients and employees. Throughout the preceding year all of us participated in a process that helped us to define clear standards for our four core values. The retreat gave us an opportunity to see the product of this long effort and to think about the next phase. At the retreat we worked hard to understand how committing to excellent customer service can make our jobs easier and more enjoyable. On April 27^th at our All Staff Meeting Dr. Floutsis will introduce the next phase of our work. Staff will review the QI goals we all came up with as well as the “scripts” to many commonly asked questions. Final QI committee assignment and our meeting schedule for 2007 will be announced. At the retreat we all had a chance to think about the work we do at Clinica Romero and how we can make it better for ourselves, our co-workers and our patients. It was exciting and inspiring to be part of such a committed, passionate and energetic group of people. I want to thank everyone for their patience with this process, their commitment to Clinica Romero and their determination and hope that we can make this a better place. __________________________________________ Msr. Oscar A. Romero’s 27^th Anniversary On March 22^nd with great honor and dedication the Internal Communications Committee and a group of volunteers, put together a program in observance of the commemoration of the 27^th Anniversary of Msr. Oscar Romero’s legacy. As part of Romero’s legacy, Clinica Msr. Oscar Romero commemorated his anniversary inviting friends, distinguished guests and elected officials such as Honorable Eric Garcetti and Ed Reyes to the event. Ronald Siliezar, the MC for the event, introduced Honorable council member Eric Garcetti who eloquently spoke about Romero’s life and how his spirit has enlightened and inspired many at Clinica Msr. Romero to continue to fulfill his dream and to serve a purpose in the community. We would also like to express gratitude to Councilmember Eric Garcetti for presenting a check for $1.5 million on behalf of the City of Los Angeles to help purchase one of Clinica Msr Romero’s buildings. Clinica Msr Romero was born through the efforts of many volunteers who donated their time and professional talent in continuing Msr. Romero’s legacy. Two of Clinica Romero’s current volunteers were recognized during the program. Dr. Nell Levy and Dr. Willard Zinn’s professional contribution was acknowledged for their years of collaboration and dedication to donate their time and devoting many years of their professional talent to support and serve the community. Clinica Msr. Romero is fortunate for having them aboard. One of the most captivating and upbeat performances was the Folk Danza from ASOSAL. The Folk Danza performed two dances to Salvadoran folk songs that captures the solicit spirit of the peasant people of the Salvadoran countryside. Women with colorful dresses accompanied with dancing partners performed at the sound of captivating rhythms, transmitting vibrant energy to the audience with their eloquent dances. Clinica Msr. Romero is proud to have a talented poet on board from Proyecto Ayuda, Jose Cortez, who inspired by Msr. Oscar Romero’s legacy, composed a poem for the martyr. Mr. Cortez’ poem transported the audience to a passage of Msr. Oscar Romero’s last moments, his death altered pain and sadness to many Salvadoran people. The HIV Health Education Dept. also known as L.U.C.E.S (Latinos Unidos Contra El Sida) in collaboration with Teatro Del Barrio volunteered their talent and presented a captivating and poignant performance that reenacted the history that lead to the loss of Msr. Oscar Romero. The powerful performance captivated and moved audience members to express their personal feelings by weeping, saving a moment of silence and reflecting in reminiscence. Clinica Msr. Romero, would like to thank L.U.C.E.S and Teatro Del Barrio for the professionally performance that conveyed a beautiful message of hope and justice. The closing part of the ceremony was performed by Will Echegoyen and Friends. The group was led by Will Echegoyen, as the lead singer, and professional musicians who performed a variety of songs with a political message such as “Cancion de la Nueva Trova”. The lyrics inspired by situations of injustice and martyrdom during the civil war in El Salvador, plead for peace and prosperity in the world. Last, as a compliment to staff and guests delicious Guatemalan tamales, refried beans, pastries and salad were catered for everyone to enjoy. Acknowledgments: The Communications Committee- Idalia Xuncax, Nancy Martinez, Nuvia Magana, Ana Monge, Ana Torres, Margarita Calles, Ronald Siliezar and Oscar Lopez- are fortunate that many were generous to offer their time, talent and effort on this very important commemoration. The 27^th commemoration event of Msr. Romero was mainly organized with a humble effort and with the sole intention to remind staff about the main reason Clinica Msr. Oscar Romero exists and the honor it sustains for having the name of a legend who gave his life while struggling for justice. Now more than ever, the legacy of Msr. Oscar Romero shall continue inspiring us to make Clinica not just any health care facility providing health care, but a family that serves the community with quality, dignity and respect. Thanks to all! __________________________________________ Employee of the Quarter Award Marta Tejeda’s Biography   Marta Tejeda was born in Guatemala City. She is happily married and is mother to two lovely daughters Mariana 8 and Natalia 7 years old. She studied to become a medical assistant and worked for Clinica Para Las Americas for approximately 5 years. Thereafter, Martita began working for Clinica Romero 4 years ago as a medical assistant. A field that allows her to help and interact with people. She considers herself to be a shy person but enjoys the patient interaction. Marta shares her gratitude and feels honored to be awarded. Rene Ayala’s Biography Mr. Rene Ayala was born in Cojutepeque, El Salvador. He studied and graduated as an Accounting major in San Salvador city. He married Carmen G. Ayala and is the father of two children. Don Rene arrived in Los Angeles in 1981. His first employer in the United States was First Interstate Bank -now Wells Fargo Bank- as a parking attendant where he dedicated 14 years. He became part of “Proyecto Ayuda” in 2000 and on June 3, 2002 he became a regular employee at Clinica Msr. Oscar Romero as a parking attendant and has performed in that capacity ever since. Don Rene is a soccer fan and remembers when he used to engage in the sport as an amateur player some years ago. Currently he attends night school to improve his English skills. His goal is to live to 100 years and continue being helpful and productive. Don Rene is very thankful with Clinica Romero and staff for allowing him the opportunity to continue serving the community. Martita Tejeda and Don Rene became the first two “Employees of the Quarter” of Clinica Romero history. The recognition was made as an admirable selection by Clinica’s staff based on customer service, professionalism and human relation interactions among several other qualities these two individuals embody. Congratulation Martha Tejeda and Don Rene!! __________________________________________ Outstanding Volunteers Dr. Nell Levy began volunteering at Clinica Romero 12 years ago in 1995. She still to this day continues to volunteer her services. Over the years she has been a volunteer, a donor, and most of all a dedicated and committed friend to all of us at Clinica Romero. For years she came to see patients 3-4 days a week. She was regarded by patients as their doctor and provided health care to thousands of patients over the years. Her patients loved and respected her and over the years many of Clinica’s providers and staff have heard stories from patients of how Dr. Levy helped them. Now, Dr. Levy helps us review charts and continues to help us with her clinical knowledge and years of experience. Many of us will still review a case with her on Wednesday mornings just to get her perspective, which is always enlightening. For the providers at Clinica Romero, doctors, nurse practitioners and physician assistants she is role model, someone we hope we can emulate. For all of us at Clinica Romero she is a testimony to the humility, love and compassion, which Msr. Romero teaches us is so important. Dr. Willard Zinn spent many years of his career as a cardiologist at LAC/USC General Hospital where we send so many of our patients. When he retired we were blessed that he chose to use his clinical expertise to see our patients at Clinica Romero. He began volunteering in 2000 and continues to see patients every Friday morning. It takes 9-12 months to see a cardiologist at LAC/USC but thanks to Dr. Zinn we can always get his opinion within a week! Towards our patients he demonstrates profound respect, kindness and compassion which is truly inspiring. He is proof that professionalism and kindness and compassion go hand in hand and that great knowledge and skill can co-exist with great humility, kindness and compassion. We are truly lucky to be able to work with Dr. Zinn and it is a great pleasure to honor him. Welcome New Employees to the Clínica Romero Family Tania Astorga Raul Escalante Xavier Lopez Marvil Vigil Medical Records Front Office Medical Records Medical Assistant Alvarado Alvarado Alvarado Alvarado Luz Perez Robin Moss Rossana Gomez Wilbert Alvarez Billing Department Accounting Case Manager I.T. Assistant Northeast Northeast Alvarado Alvarado __________________________________________ From the Executive Director’s Desk Clinica’s Facilities Update In an effort to maximize resources and minimize cost, Clinica has made a series of decisions regarding our buildings that will prove beneficial for all of us. · 123 Alvarado: Clinica’s request to the Development Department of the City of LA in the amount of $1.5 Million has been approved. Project Angel Food (our landlord) is extremely interested in moving forward and we are currently negotiating with them the purchase agreement. We are submitting foundation grant requests for additional capital campaign contributions and are looking at financing possibilities as well. Finally, we have developed a front office renovation plan that we hope will be implemented in the summer. · Community Center (CC): Youth Policy Institute (a non-profit corporation) is leasing 50% of the CC and they are responsible for the full maintenance, repairs, security and other costs of the facility. Clinica’s community organizing staff will remain at the CC at a much reduced cost. · North East LA: Youth Violence Prevention has moved in and Planned Parenthood will be renting 15 parking spaces from us; with all these changes the NELA building comes to almost 100% occupancy. Also, we have asked the County of LA to look into the possibility of a long term lease (at least over 20 years) for free; if the County and Clinica come to an agreement, Clinica will return the building to the County and the savings from the mortgage will be used for Clinica’s programs. This is at a very preliminary discussion stage and we will keep you posted as new developments occur. In the meantime we are proceeding with renovation plans at this facility; we expect to conclude them in early summer. ______________________________________________________________ Thank you for reading our 2007 Newsletter Spring Edition. -Internal Communications Committee