New Haven Register (New Haven, CT)
Meet Whitney Rehabilitation Care Center’s ‘Healthcare Warriors’
In recognition of their remarkable efforts to care for patients during the pandemic, Dr. Lazaros Lazarides and Smilja Begic were named Healthcare Warriors by the Hamden Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Lazarides is the medical director at Whitney Rehabilitation Care Center in Hamden. Begic is a housekeeper there.
The Healthcare Warrior Awards honor essential workers who serve the greater Hamden community. Whitney nominated five employees for consideration this year.
Lazarides was nominated in the Physician category, which recognized his dedication to exemplary medical service. He has been a practicing physician for almost 20 years and has worked at Whitney for nearly nine years.
“I was surprised when I initially found out that I had won the award,” he said. “During (these) past two years … many of my colleagues have worked just as hard as I have and deserve this award just as much.”
But this is not the first time Lazarides has received an award. During his residency he was honored for his humble work ethic, which earned him the moniker “the quiet doer.” But his actions during the pandemic spoke louder than words.
Although Whitney’s medical director, Lazarides fulfills many other capacities for patients and staff, often going above and beyond what his title entails.
During the height of COVID he provided guidance and recommendations to keep everyone in the building safe. He kept staff informed about what was happening in the hospitals so they could anticipate what was needed when a patient came to the rehabilitation unit.
Lazarides is also defined by his excellent bedside manner, taking time to speak to patients and family members to help them understand a prognosis. He directly engages in difficult conversations with loved ones, ensuring all parties are comfortable with whatever decision is made.
He is a medical director who can consistently be counted upon; he visits the center multiple times a week and takes calls anytime.
“It is truly a great honor to be recognized,” he said. “Entering the profession of medicine … does come with great responsibility, and patients entrust you to heal them in a sense. … Working hard every day, especially during the difficult times of the pandemic, was no different.”
Begic was nominated in the Healthcare Staff category, which recognized her constant commitment to the field. She initially joined Whitney as a housekeeper more than 10 years ago, but since then has become a jack of all trades.
She also works as a porter and laundry attendant when needed, always willing to take on special assignments to keep the facility spotless. If the department needs something accomplished, Begic is the one to call.
“I never use a day off, a vacation day or a sick day,” she said. “I never call out and I never (show up) late. … Every day I’m always here.”
This commitment was most prevalent during the worst days of the pandemic — Begic didn’t miss one day of work. She donned PPE while cleaning rooms to ensure the safety of patients and fellow staff. She took any shift, sometimes in other departments, and could always be counted upon to show up.
“It was really hard working so many hours,” she said, noting days could stretch up to 16 hours long. She also worked overtime and double shifts. “But I’ll never change,” she added.
Patients look forward to Begic’s visits since she arrives with a smile on her face. Working alongside “amazing” colleagues makes her proud to work at Whitney, she said.
Whitney is a privately owned and operated skilled nursing rehabilitation care center located in Hamden. It specializes in short-term rehabilitation and offers longterm care options.
For more information, visit whitneyrehab.com.