Winter 2009/2010 - Promise Healthcare

PROMISE BUZZ
FROM OUR
HOSPITALS
On the front line: A Hero Returns to Promise Hospital of Phoenix
In Fall of 2007, Esmat Ullah joined the Promise team as a Respiratory Therapist. Quickly earning
a reputation as a dedicated and hard worker, it came as no surprise when he signed up to help with
the war in Afghanistan. As an Afghan-American, Esmat felt obligated to help with the war. He
knew his ability to speak five different languages, Pushto, Dary, Farsy, Urdu and English, and his
knowledge of the area could help fight the insurgents and help save lives.
Esmat was sent to Uruzgan and Helmand in the central region of Afghanistan, expecting to be
sitting behind a desk in the security of a military base. To his surprise, he found himself traveling
with the soldiers on the front line, with the enemy only 100 meters away and visible to the naked
eye. He was caught up in the war that most of us only hear about and see pictures of. Esmat recalls
of the experience, “It was cold, muddy, and it rained constantly. Sometimes it took us three to four
hours to go one mile. There wasn’t a bed to sleep on, a kitchen to make food in, there were no
comforts whatsoever.”
When the soldiers learned he was a Respiratory Therapist, they informed a doctor who approached Esmat requesting his assistance in the field. He
agreed and was transferred to travel and work with the medics. He assisted doctors in the field treating gun shot wounds, incubating, bagging and
performing CPR. Not only was he saving lives and assisting the war effort by intercepting and translating enemy radio communication; he was also
saving lives by utilizing his respiratory training.
Esmat stayed in Afghanistan for seven months. Upon his return to the United States and to Promise Hospital of Phoenix, Esmat was promoted to
the Respiratory Lead position. He continues to be a great asset not only to our company, but also to our country.
Promise Hospital of Salt Lake Takes On ‘The Biggest Loser’ Challenge
With the holidays behind us, Promise Hospital of Salt Lake’s staff has made a commitment to get healthier
and shed those extra pounds. They recently kicked off their very own version of “The Biggest Loser”
competition with a few added twists.
Participating staff will weigh in weekly and earn points for engaging in healthy behaviors, such as structured
and continuous exercise, eating at least 5 servings of vegetables and/or fruits a day, and for using the stairs
instead of the elevator at the hospital. Each participant will also earn 10 points for each percentage of body
weight lost.
The point system makes the competition equal and fair for all and the competition promotes a healthier
lifestyle which will continue long after the competition ends. Our Dietitian Barb Sherwood is overseeing
the program and Brad Lewis, our Physical Therapist, has also offered to put together tailor-made physical
fitness programs for the staff.
Everyone who elected to participate donated $10.00 and the winner will receive the amount in full as a cash
prize. May the biggest ‘loser’ with the most points win!
Promise Hospital of Vicksburg Staff Spotlight: Lekisha Berry, LPN
Promise Hospital of Vicksburg would like to recognize Lekisha Berry,
LPN, for her outstanding contributions to the Promise team. Lekisha
has always exemplified a sound work ethic and is always ready and
willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need, whether it’s a
patient or a fellow co-worker. She always takes an active role in
ensuring everything runs smoothly, including filling in when staffing
is short. Her documentation sets her apart as one of the best in the
field.
Lekisha is hardworking, dependable, and maintains a positive
attitude at all times. Promise applauds Lekisha Berry for a job well
done. Keep up the good work!
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