Unfortunately, COVID put a number of our celebrations on the backburner for the past two years.  

Now, it’s time to catch-up on our celebrations for our AAPHC Family and hopefully see our organization return to many of our traditions, especially when it comes to recognizing and rewarding our team members.  

Over the next few weeks, I’ll be officially announcing and highlighting our:

• 2020 Provider of the Year,
• 2020 Employee of the Year,
• 2021 Provider of the Year, 
• 2021 Employee of the Year 

Please note these will not be unveiled in any particular order.  We are in the process of alerting the winners this week and getting their reactions caught on camera. So stay tuned as we unveil the winners – and their reactions – in upcoming issues of The Pulse. 

Each year our team members submit their nominations of a provider or employee they feel has gone above-and-beyond for our organization. The nomination forms are filled with examples of dedication and service that our providers and employee have for their patients and their fellow co-workers! 

First up, and drum roll please, is our 2021 Provider of the Year …

Congratulations Vanessa Kurtz, FNP-C! 

Vanessa is such a bright spot within our organization with her positivity and unfailing drive to assist the students at Alice Coachman Elementary School.  Vanessa, who is a provider at our Alice Coachman School-Based Health Center, is a constant “ray of sunshine” for anyone who meets her…whether that’s her students, her fellow co-workers or the faculty at the school.  

Additionally, Vanessa is known to host fundraisers – like a Lemonade Stand to raise funds to get the school a washer and dryer for students who didn’t have access to laundry machines.  Or, she’s consistently launching Uniform, Coat, Book and School Supply Drives throughout the year so the students have what they need for their school day.  Vanessa does all of this because she’s committed to improving her school, her SBHC and our community as a whole. 

Dr. Hotz always says that to work at AAPHC you have to possess a “servant’s heart” – one that is dedicated to helping and serving others above one’s own self. Vanessa is a prime example of what it means to have a servant’s heart and ensure that everyone around her – from her staff, her students, her faculty, her family, and her community – receives what they need to be happy, healthy and successful.  And, she does it with such a friendly and positive attitude! 

Thank you Vanessa for being a part of our AAPHC Family. And, congratulations on being named the 2021 Provider of the Year! 

Sincerely,

Shelley Spires,

Chief Executive Officer

* Stay tuned! Next week we’ll be unveiling another one of our winners! 

Today, April 27, is Administrative Professionals’ Day and I would like to take a moment to thank all of our Administrative staff throughout AAPHC.  Please know that your providers and clinical staff appreciate all that you do each and every day!   

We could not be successful caring for our patients and community members without the work that you do on the front end before the patients ever reach the exam rooms.  

You are often the first “voice” or face that our patients meet when they need to see their provider.  The work you do is so valuable for our organization and truly sets the tone of each patient experience with our offices.  

Over the past two years during this pandemic, especially with all that we faced together, you have been such an important part of our AAPHC Family. You often shouldered a lot of the stress when it came to ensuring that our patients were answered, scheduled and/or followed-up with in a timely manner regarding questions, patient forms, appointments, COVID vaccines, COVID testing, insurance, medical records or billing.  Your work each day is so incredibly appreciated by your Care Teams! 

I hope you know how much the work you do is truly seen and recognized within Albany Area Primary Health Care.  Your role is a vital one with our organization and we would not be a strong Community Health Center without you.  

Happy Administrative Professionals’ Day from the providers and clinical staff at AAPHC! 

Sincerely,

Edward Vance, M.D.

Chief Medical Officer

"Happy that they have a doctor that really listens to what I had to tell her. She has given me knowledge that she will do what she can for my children. Sarah Waling made me comfortable and happy that I still go to this place for my kids and the ladies at the front desk were friendly. They were getting people ready on time to go to the back .A+"

"I am very happy with my PA, Will Koopal, and all of the equally wonderful women who work there."

"Staff is awesome. They greet me like they've known me forever. Dr. Sumaili is the best and the favorite doctor I've ever had in my 54 years of life. All clinics should be modeled after this one."