Join us in recognizing the most recent recipient of The BEE Award – Dr. Michael Rhodes 
The BEE Award for Exceptional Caregivers was established to complement our DAISY Award, which is specific to nursing. Standing for “Being Extraordinary Every Day,” any care team member can be nominated for and receive The BEE Award. Both the DAISY and BEE Awards are presented quarterly, and nominations are accepted from patients, community members, and LRH personnel.
Dr. Rhodes is one of our Hospitalists at LRH. Hospital Medicine is a very important yet often unheard-of medical specialty. Hospitalists are physicians who have dedicated their careers to hospitalized patients. They are responsible for a patient’s in-hospital care, caring for our sickest patients most times.
In the nomination, Melody explained that Dr. Rhodes cared for her terminally ill husband, Stephen, earlier this year. Dr. Rhodes did what he could, given the multiple difficult diagnoses Stephen and his family were facing. Ultimately, Dr. Rhodes was successful in getting Stephen transferred to a higher care setting, but unfortunately, Stephen succumbed to illness and passed away in late May.
Melody credits the extra three months Stephen’s family had with him to Dr. Rhodes’ diligent efforts. It was in those three months that Stephen was able to meet his first grandchild. Melody also noted how compassionate Dr. Rhodes was the entire time, given the circumstances. He advocated for the family and helped educate them on the conditions Stephen was battling.
Our hearts go out to Melody and her entire family for the loss of Stephen. We really appreciate her sharing her experience with Dr. Rhodes and submitting the nomination so he can be recognized. Given his line of work, it is likely that Dr. Rhodes has played a similar role for other families in our community. We were honored that Melody was able to attend the award presentation when Dr. Rhodes was recognized.
