Nominee: Dion Baylor

Nominator: Anonymous

Dion is always amazing at making team members feel secure. In this particular case, he was hyping up a new employee and making their first day start off great. This isn't new for Dion though, as he always goes above and beyond when it comes to working with others and his commitment to teamwork and communication is unparalleled.

How long have you been working in Pathology?
It has been a while. I started as a student phlebotomist and got hired on in 1999.

What do you enjoy about working here?
I like working in the NICU because I enjoy the interaction with patients and nurses over there. It’s also nice getting to talk with new fathers. Outside of that, working in Micro during COVID was an interesting change of pace because I got to run tests that I didn’t normally do.

What made you decide to become a lab professional?
After doing phlebotomy and switching to being a lab tech, I decided to stay on because the environment was really family orientated. Back then there were a bunch of events where different labs could intermingle and get to know each other.

What are some of your hobbies outside of work?
I enjoy movies, bowling, hanging out with my family, and traveling. I actually got a chance to go to the final four with friends this year. It was amazing to see.

What is your dream vacation?
I plan on going up through Detroit and traveling through Canada with my family. I really want to see the Norte Dame Basilica in Montreal. Then we would come back out near Niagara by New York and hit Boston. Other than that, maybe someday I will travel the Lewis and Clark trail.

What is your favorite movie?
Amadeus.

If money was not a factor, what other profession would you choose?
I would probably play viola and make a living off that. Music runs in my family, and I used to play it as a kid. Traveling for different music events in school meant a lot to me and it has been great seeing my kids enjoy it too.

Nominee: Bob Rotzoll

Nominator: Anonymous

Last week there was an employee exposure that Bob has done a great job leading the charge to get all of the appropriate paperwork completed and turned in. It involved working the SHL and the CDC. Because of all the work Bob has done over the past week it has been a seamless process. The Microbiology and QA teams are lucky to have him!

How long have you been working in Pathology? 
7 years. I previously worked in informatics and currently work in Microbiology/Molecular Pathology Quality.

What do you enjoy about working here?
The ability to collaborate with other staff to meet the complex needs of our diverse patients.

What made you decide to become a lab professional?
I enjoyed classes in human physiology and exploring the disease states that impact the human body.

What are some of your hobbies outside of work?
I enjoy attending Hawkeye games and serving at my church.

What is your dream vacation?
A resort on a beach.

What is your favorite movie?
Shawshank Redemption, have to root for the good guy who beats a corrupt system.

If money was not a factor, what other profession would you choose?
I would be a basketball coach.

Nominee: Junalyn Vander Pol

Nominator: Anonymous

Juna is a bright light in the lab because she always has a smile on her face and has a positive attitude no matter how busy we are. She takes initiative, has pride in her work and always lends a helping hand.

How long have you been working in Pathology?
It’s going to be two years in the middle of June.

What do you enjoy about working here?
I like working here because it is diverse. My last job had a much less diverse environment. Here I get to work with all types, ages, and cultures.

What made you decide to become a lab professional?
It wasn’t actually my first choice. Originally, I wanted to be a nurse, but circumstances made me miss test. Then I joined a medical technologist program in the Philippines instead. After completing that, I decided pursue work in the U.S. because there were more opportunities and better pay.

What are some of your hobbies outside of work?
Last year I started taking dance lesson, but I take a pause due to health reasons. Other than that, I enjoy spending time with my kids, going to the movies, and watching shows.

What is your dream vacation?
Europe for sure. I want to go to Spain or Portugal someday.

What is your favorite movie?
There are too many to choose. I like so many types of movies that I can’t just pick one.

If money was not a factor, what other profession would you choose?
I would like to be involved in making movies. The process of creating a story and making it feel real is just so interesting.