News from Franciscan St. Margaret Health: Hospital Campuses Honor Physicians with St. Luke Awards

franciscan-2014-st-luke-award-01Two Franciscan St. Margaret Health physicians recently received St. Luke awards, which annually are given on behalf of nurses from both the Dyer and Hammond campuses to honor excellence in service to patients and staff.

Deepak Kadiyala, M.D., a nephrologist who has been with Franciscan St. Margaret Health for about a year since he started practicing 1.5 years ago, received the award for the Hammond campus; while Kirti Ramnivas, M.D., a child/adolescent psychiatrist who has been with Franciscan Alliance since 2006, received the honor for the Dyer campus, where she has so far spent her career.

Also known as doctor of the year honor, the St. Luke Award has been presented at Franciscan St. Margaret Health since 2008, “in recognition of extraordinary efforts in maintaining excellent rapport with nurses, providing educational mentoring and leadership and exhibiting a collaborative approach to patient care, which shows respect for the nursing profession and to the mission of the Sisters of St. Francis,” according Kathy O’Donnell, physician liaison.

Luke is the patron saint of physicians.

The awards were presented to the physicians by Tom Gryzbek, hospital president, during ceremonies packed with applauding nursing staff members and hospital officials at each campus. Gryzbek lauded their contributions to the hospitals and their patients, adding he feels blessed to have him in the system.

Among nomination comments, nurses called Kadiyala an exceptional physician, who exhibits compassion to his patients.

“He continually goes above and beyond and his bedside manner is excellent. He takes time to listen and explain things to the patient and family and gives them informed options. He is extremely thorough and comes back to check on his patients throughout the day. He maintains a good rapport with staff and returns calls in a timely fashion.”

After receiving his award, Kadiyala said he was humbled, adding, “I just love coming to this hospital.”

He said nursing staff members deserve the honor more, adding he could not perform his duties as effectively without them.

“They are the best I’ve ever worked with; they do a wonderful job,” he said.

franciscan-2014-st-luke-award-02Nurses likewise complimented Ramnivas in their nominations, adding she demonstrates respect, kindness and concern for patients, is dedicated and exudes a positive attitude.

“She always takes time to explain the patient’s needs and plan of care. She goes out of her way to accommodate her patients, as well as the parents. The doctor gives exceptional care and is an excellent physician, leader and mentor. Every day, she sets a high standard for all of the staff to follow. She is always the first one in and the last one to leave.”

After receiving her award, Ramnivas said she likewise was humbled and that the honor should have gone to the nursing staff for being a pleasure with whom to work.

“They are wonderful – they make my job so easy. I survive because of them,” she said.