On September 24, 2008, Maria Reyes, MSN, BSN, RN, clinical nurse coordinator in the fetal and neonatal medicine program at Rush University Medical Center, will accept the March of Dimes Jonas Salk Health Leadership Award for her exceptional leadership and outstanding contribution to improving premature and infant health. Reyes is one of five elite Illinois healthcare leaders and the only nurse to be honored at the Galleria Marchetti, 825 W. Erie in Chicago at 11:30 a.m.
As clinical nurse coordinator for the Rush neonatal and fetal medicine program, Reyes plays a unique role. Reyes helps patient families navigate through the medical system and serves as a single point of contact who is available 24-hours, every day.
"She serves as the main point of contact for expectant parents who are facing pregnancies with complex fetal anomalies, such as congenital heart defects or genetic disorders," said Marcia Hargreaves, assistant vice president of quality improvement at Rush. "From diagnosis, delivery and beyond, Reyes is there helping the patient by assembling the family for test results, making sure appointments are kept and keeping vigil with the family in the neonatal unit."
The Rush fetal and neonatal medicine program was designed to give expectant parents and their physicians the information they need to provide optimal care. Reyes is part of a comprehensive, leading team of specialists that develop a care plan based on the unique needs of each patient.
The Leadership Awards were established 11 years ago by the March of Dimes to salute Chicago healthcare professionals who have distinguished themselves in the areas of healthcare management, medicine, nursing, and public and community health and research. Reyes' award is named in honor of Jonas Salk, MD, who developed the polio vaccine with funding and support from the March of Dimes.
"The March of Dimes continues to play a vital role in improving the lives of children today," says Reyes. "I am honored to be recognized by the organization, especially because of its dedication to raising the level of awareness of premature birth and its commitment to improving the lives of babies born with birth defects."
Rush University Medical Center is an academic medical center that encompasses the more than 600 staffed-bed hospital (including Rush Children's Hospital), the Johnston R. Bowman Health Center and Rush University. Rush University, with more than 1,270 students, is home to one of the first medical schools in the Midwest, and one of the nation's top-ranked nursing colleges. Rush University also offers graduate programs in allied health and the basic sciences. Rush is noted for bringing together clinical care and research to address major health problems, including arthritis and orthopedic disorders, cancer, heart disease, mental illness, neurological disorders and diseases associated with aging.
Rush University Medical Center