“I’m so surprised and honored,” said David Brandt, audio-visual administrator and support specialist, one of the scholarship recipients. Brandt was awarded for his insights and vision to harness the latest in technology to expand and enhance communications across the organization.
The scholarship was established in 2018 in honor of former MelroseWakefield Healthcare president and CEO Alan Macdonald to continue his spirit of leadership after his retirement. The award will be given annually to employees who demonstrate innovative thinking and leadership potential.
“We see the scholarship as an investment in our employees and a way to help them develop their potential,” said Roselyn Fisher, chief development officer at MelroseWakefield Healthcare.
In the award’s inaugural year, more than 50 applications were received from talented and motivated employees across the organization. Applicants were evaluated based on their clarity of direction, personal drive and inspiration.
The scholarships are funded by philanthropic donations and personally by Macdonald.
“To see the talent we have at this organization is so inspiring,” Alan Macdonald said. “It’s important to us to give people with the characteristics to lead us into the future the opportunity to develop those skills.”
David Brandt’s fellow awardees are equally motivated to lead us to the next level of quality and care.
Katherine Booth, physical therapist, is interested in delivering a new level of support for patients’ rehabilitation after they’re discharged and will use her award to expand our expertise in the pelvic floor field.
Barbara Kaufman, manager of community benefits and operations, will participate in the Association of Community Health Improvement, a national program of the American Hospital Association, to identify and implement opportunities to expand our reach in community services.
Ruchit Marfatia, PharmD, pharmacist, PGY1 residency program director, will continue his leadership in clinical pharmaceutical education and use the award to advance our knowledge in contemporary pharmaceutical and antimicrobial best practices.
Rutwa Naik, manager of accreditation, is pursuing a project management certification to help expand her skills to drive initiatives that increase patient safety.
“The thrill is watching these folks succeed and giving them a boost to do so,” said Macdonald.
