Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center Names Physician of the Year, Nurse of the Year

San Luis Obispo, Calif. – Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center is proud to honor Dr. Howard Hayashi as its first Physician of the Year and Bridgette Woodbury, RN, as its Nurse of the Year. The hospital also honored its first-ever BEE of the Year, and recognized this year’s Tenet Heroes.

The awards were presented during the hospital’s annual service awards banquet, which took place during Hospital Week (May 12-18, 2019).

Dr. Hayashi received his medical degree in 1982 and completed his general surgery residency at the University of California, Davis. He joined the Sierra Vista medical staff in 1988 and has contributed greatly to the success of the hospital’s surgery program.

Numerous nominations for Dr. Hayashi were submitted stating he works tirelessly for his patients and understands the true sense of community. One person said, “It doesn’t matter what time of day or night, or what your title is, Dr. Hayashi will respond with kindness, compassion and expertise.”

Bridgette Woodbury received the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses in March. She was nominated as Nurse of the Year after being narrowed down from Sierra Vista’s group of monthly DAISY Award winners. The DAISY Award is a special program that recognizes the incredible work nurses display on a daily basis.

“Bridgette always goes above and beyond for our patients and staff, and is always willing to help others,” said Caitlin Kenny, registered nurse on the Medical-Surgical Unit at Sierra Vista. “She treats each patient with the respect and care they deserve, as if they were her own family.”

“Bridgette is always so sweet and helpful with the patients and their families,” said Iris Conklin, Unit Secretary on the Medical-Surgical Unit at Sierra Vista. “She always has a smile on her face and if you have a question or need help, she is more than willing to step in. Sierra Vista is lucky to have an employee who is as dedicated and compassionate as Bridgette.”

During the awards banquet, Rowena Agapay, OB Tech, was also recognized as the BEE of the Year. She received the BEE Award in April and was selected as the BEE of the Year from the group of monthly winners. The BEE (Being Extraordinary Everyday) Award was created as part of the DAISY Award program to honor and recognize those who provide outstanding assistance to their fellow employees.

"I feel like it is easy sometimes to forget to recognize the true importance of behind-the-scenes efforts that very much contribute to the overall experience and safety of our patients,” said Kim Little, Labor & Delivery Nurse who nominated Rowena. “We are so appreciative to have such a hard working technician in our department.”

In addition, these five employees were recognized as Tenet Heroes: Linda Evans-Dunn, Sarah Gabriel, Spencer Nickerson, Sutter Nickerson and Marissa Schwent. They all volunteer their time at Camp Fire, a nonprofit organization that focuses on positive youth development. Their promise statement: Young people want to shape their world. Camp Fire provides the opportunity to find their spark, lift their voice and discover who they are.

Sierra Vista also recognized numerous employees for hitting service year milestones at the hospital.