Emma Knudsen, CAA has been selected by her peers at East Madison Hospital (TAC) to receive the 3rd annual Sally Schroeder peer recognition award! According to two members of the informal Sunshine Committee at East Madison Hospital (EMH), Natasha Baker, CRNA, and Kelly Burley, CAA this award is given to an EMH anesthetist who exemplifies what it means to be a team player, helps to create and foster a positive work environment, and always puts their patients first by delivering outstanding patient care. Emma joins 2019’s winner, Michael Devine, CAA. Kelly Burley explained that in 2020 there was a pause in the award process due to COVID-19.
An overview of the award’s history. From 1986 until her retirement in 2018, Sally Schroeder, CRNA worked for the Department of Anesthesiology. Sally retired while working at TAC, but she worked at the University Hospital, Madison Surgery Center, Transformation Surgery Center, and American Family Children’s Hospital throughout her career. Nominations for this award are made through an anonymous e-survey that explains the “Sally Schroeder” model for nominees who provide exceptional patient care and work well with others.
“I feel very honored and so happy and excited to have been chosen by my colleagues for the Sally Schroeder award!
Emma Knudsen, CAA
Emma graciously received this year’s award and noted “I feel very honored and so happy and excited to have been chosen by my colleagues for the Sally Schroeder award! I am so lucky to work with an amazing team every day who show the same deserving qualities of this award and I am so thankful to be selected for what Sally Schroeder has represented to our department. Thank you so much!”
“it is wonderful that Emma’s qualities are being recognized by her peers and that such an award exists to promote future awardees an opportunity to shine.”
Kelly McQueen, Ralph M Waters Distinguished Chair in Anesthesiology
Kelly McQueen, Ralph M Waters Distinguished Chair in Anesthesiology, further congratulated Emma for her commitment to the department and for exemplifying the characteristics of former employee Sally Schroeder. McQueen noted, “it is wonderful that Emma’s qualities are being recognized by her peers and that such an award exists to promote future awardees an opportunity to shine.” McQueen also mentions other key programs designed to celebrate and recognize coworkers every day including the UW Health High Five program, which promotes interdepartmental participation and allows feedback from patients. Additionally, the Anesthesiology department also provides a “Kudos” section for recognition of all department members including administrative staff. Natasha Baker, CRNA, and Kelly Burley, CAA at EMH proudly shared the announcement and want to reiterate “Congratulations, Emma! We are so happy you are a part of the EMH(TAC) team!”