February 26, 2020
Operation SMART is off to a great start in 2020. SMART (Strategic Medical Asset Readiness Training) is a unique partnership between five organizations (TriHealth, UC Medical Center, St. Elizabeth, Mercy, and The Christ Hospital) coordinated by the Health Collaborative. A total of 36 soldiers participated in the February group. TriHealth was fortunate to have eight soldiers from seven units including Texas, Missouri, California and even one soldier currently stationed in Germany!
Margaret Chamberlain from Good Samaritan Hospital Imaging stated, “Working with SPC Dooley, I could see in his eyes that he was excited about all that we do here. Having him here, eager to lend a helping hand with patients was inspiring and heartwarming.” SPC Dooley is a Radiology specialist stationed in Fort Jackson who spent his time at TriHealth at GSH Imaging. He said, “The moment I walked in the department, I felt at home. I really appreciated them allowing me to assist when and where I could and taking the time to teach and explain everything.” Melody Eldridge added, “GSH Imaging is always thrilled and thankful to be a part of their learning experience”.
Combat Medic Specialist, SPC Corlaite, spent his time in the Emergency Department at Bethesda North. “Even though it was a short amount of time I got to see so much, and I can take what I learned back to Fort Bragg so I can be a better medic for my soldiers and their families.” He continued, “The kindness of Kelsey, Deb and Katelin reminded me of why I love what I do and how lucky I am to do this job.” The Bethesda North ED team said, “We had a trauma, code and 2 STEMIs at once and he jumped right in without hesitation. We enjoy helping a soldier and giving back like he gives back for our country every day! Thank you for letting us be part of SMART again!!”.
The two weeks the Soldiers spent at TriHealth were packed! The eight Soldiers assigned to TriHealth rotated through GSH/BN ED, GSH L&D, GSH Imaging, BN Respiratory, BN ICU, GSH Behavioral Health, wound care, and many more areas. They also spent time with the TriHealth Education and Simulation team.
TriHealth was the only organization during the February SMART effort that welcomed an Administrator as one of the participants. Captain Harkness is currently a Company Commander at Fort Drum. He spent time with leaders, including Chief Nursing Officer Jenny Skinner, and hospital presidents Jamie Easterling, London Quicci, Mike Everett among others to better understand what Hospital Administrators do in the civilian sector. CPT Harkness said, “Being with the different department leaders in the organization allowed me to see what leadership techniques were utilized in order to be an effective leader”.
“I loved hearing all the great comments from the Soldiers on their experience at TriHealth. They were all truly grateful for the experience and for the team members at TriHealth. Most of all, they gained valuable knowledge and experience during their short time at TriHealth, ”observed Kim Morrow, TriHealth’s SMART coordinator.
Thank you to all the departments that didn’t hesitate to welcome the Soldiers during their two weeks at TriHealth. If you are interested in learning more about SMART, please contact Kim Morrow at Kimberly_Morrow@trihealth.com.
TriHealth will welcome the next group of SMART participants May 4-15, 2020.
