Huron Regional Medical Center (HRMC) honored its November Exceptional Employee of the Month, Lea Telkamp, PharmD, with a reception on Wednesday, November 14, 2018.
Telkamp, who has worked at HRMC for more than three years and currently works as a pharmacist in the HRMC pharmacy, was nominated by coworkers to receive the honor. According to nominating coworkers, “Lea is always willing to help wherever she is needed to make sure there are no delays in patients receiving medications.”
“She regularly presents and implements suggestions to improve processes to ensure patient safety,” the nomination continued. “Lea is an active member of the HRMC family – volunteering to serve on the Patient Experience Team to help improve medication-related patient satisfaction scores.”
HRMC’s Exceptional Employee of the Month award recognizes an employee who goes above and beyond to exceed expectations. Employees can be nominated by other employees or by a patient or visitor who witnesses exceptional service. A committee of employees from various hospital departments chooses the employee on a monthly basis and an Exceptional Employee of the Year is chosen at year-end from the 12 monthly honorees.
As November exceptional employee, Telkamp received a reception with family, friends and coworkers, a meal certificate to a local restaurant, a professional photo session and portrait, $50, a lapel pin and a special parking place for a month.
Originally from Miller, SD, Telkamp earned a bachelor of science degree in history from South Dakota State University. She completed a master of arts degree in history at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Following her graduation, Telkamp worked at the SD Department of Labor and Regulation for two years prior to pursuing a pharmacy degree. Telkamp graduated with a doctorate degree in pharmacy from the South Dakota State University College of Pharmacy in Brookings in May 2017. She interned at HRMC while in pharmacy school and has enjoyed helping patients as a pharmacist since her graduation.
In her spare time, Lea enjoys spending time with her husband Brandon, their 15-month-old son Hunter, and their dogs Diesel and Oliver. She also enjoys traveling, reading and watching movies.
Patients or visitors can nominate an exceptional employee by calling 605 353-6539 for a nomination form or via e-mail at [email protected].