Kerry Benedict, MS, CCC-SLP, Speech/Language Pathologist in the University Campus Department of Rehabilitation, has been named March’s Safety Star Award recipient. The award was presented to Kerry at the Medical Center Leader Town Hall on Wednesday, March 1 by Medical Center President Michael Gustafson, MD, MBA.
Kerry was nominated for recognizing and communicating to a colleague that the contrast used in a modified barium swallow study contained an ingredient that could cause an adverse reaction in her patient. The patient was scheduled for the barium swallow study, but had a documented allergy. Kerry’s good catch and communication resulted in further discussion with one of the department’s radiologic technologists, who determined that they should proceed with a different contrast that excluded that ingredient. Kerry’s communication, diligence and professionalism was pivotal in keeping with our culture of safety.