Medical Staff Recogntion - June 2023

VMC Medical Staff Tom Giuliano Award - 2023
John Mayeno, MD 

John Mayeno, MD, a primary physician at Cornerstone Primary Care and a member of Valley's medical staff was named the winner of the 2023 Tom Giuliano Award. Here is what Cornerstone Primary Care physician colleague, Dr. Craig McGoran, said about Dr. Mayeno when announcing him as the award recipient at the annual medical staff meeting on June 7:

"John has been a primary care physician in the Renton community for over 3 and a half decades. In that time, he has cared for multitudes of three-generational families. It is likely that he has helped care for a family member, loved one, or friend for even some of us gathered in this room. He has provided excellent medical care while fostering long-term relationships & trust.

I have shared an office with John for the past 24 years. On a daily basis, I frequently hear him entering an exam room, singing a quick little jingle "Hello, Bernice, how are you?" Long after clinic hours are done, I will find him calling someone at home, just to check in. He is beloved by patients, colleagues, & office staff.

He takes time to know his employees well. On special occasions like birthdays or retirement parties, John will often craft a highly customized card. As an example, one of our nurses, Mike, recently retired. Mike loved kayaking and had a bucket list desire to dive with great white sharks—so John made him a retirement card showing Mike happily kayaking down a whitewater river with a great white shark breeching the waters behind him."

John has served both locally doing worship music at church and abroad doing missions in Southeast Asia. As a last example of his selflessness, he enjoys spending time with family & friends foraging for wild mushrooms in the foothills of Mount Rainier—and he doesn't even like mushrooms!"

About the Medical Staff Tom Giuliano Award: The VMC Medical Staff Tom Giuliano Award is presented annually in honor of Tom Giuliano, who served on the VMC staff for 25 years. His persistence in caring for his patients, his family and himself in the face of hardship is inspirational. His balanced outlook on life was highly valued among his peers and his good humor is sorely missed. The award is presented to a Valley Medical Center Medical Staff member whose life and practice best captures the spirit of Dr. Giuliano.

Provider of the Month - May 2023
Amritpal Sandhu, MD

Congratulations to Amritpal Sandhu, MD a provider in our Rheumatology Clinic and our May 2023 Provider of the Month! See what his colleagues had to say:

"He is a dedicated physician who is always committed to his patients, willing to extend himself when needed. He remains greatly liked by his patients and is an excellent leader for his group."

"He is an advocate for patients and their needs. He continuously goes out of his way to see patients during extended times. He's easy to approach with advice and guidance when needed. Patients love seeing him, stating he is kind, pleasant, professional. He listens paying close attention to concerns responding and explaining well, (and) is knowledgeable and empathetic."

When did you last nominate someone from Valley's medical staff to be a Provider of the Month? Recognize someone in your clinic, department, committee, or patient care team today! Here are the instructions and form.