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New 'Circle of Caring' scholarship program advances careers at Pardee

Pictured, from left, are Pardee Hospital Foundation Director Amy Treece, Foundation Program Officer Andrew Schmidt, scholarship recipients Makina Smith, Eden Sparks, Michala Jackson and Joseph Zanolli. Foundation Donor Engagement Officer Matthew Kemper and Dr. Joel Callahan, Chief of Staff for UNC Health Pardee. Scholarship winners not pictured are Robert Anthony Errico, Amber Peterson, Angela Rogers, Karon Edge, and Teresa McMurray.

By Lightning Reports, Published: November 14, 2024

At the heart of Pardee Hospital Foundation’s new Circle of Caring scholarship program is a vision shared by the hospital’s physicians: to inspire and support the career growth of their own employees.  

UNC Health Pardee Chief of Staff Joel Callahan, the program’s chief visionary, and Chief Medical Officer Gregory McCarty have collaborated with the foundation and hospital administration to bring to life the goal of providing Pardee’s workforce with opportunities for continuous education and professional development, ultimately enhancing the quality of care provided to the community. 

What began as a concept in 2023 has grown into a fully developed scholarship program, with strong support from donors and hospital staff.  While Dr. Callahan and Dr. McCarty championed the Circle of Caring, they credit the entire Pardee team for pushing the program forward. With that support, the Circle of Caring continues expanding its reach. 

The first results came to fruition this year when the Pardee Hospital Foundation recognized the inaugural recipients of the Circle of Caring scholarships during a special ceremony. These employees, chosen for their dedication to advancing their professional skills, will use their scholarships to pursue a wide range of educational opportunities that will enhance their abilities in patient care and leadership within the hospital. The event celebrated both the recipients' hard work and the generosity of the donors who made the scholarships possible. 

“Through this scholarship program, Pardee employees can now pursue medical certifications, leadership training, and other educational programs that further their careers while strengthening the hospital’s mission to deliver exceptional care,” said Amy Treece, executive director of Pardee Hospital Foundation. 

Inaugural scholarship recipients are employees Robert Anthony Errico, Joseph Zanolli, Michala Jackson, Amber Peterson, Angela Rogers, Eden Sparks, Karon Edge, Teresa McMurray and Makina Smith. 

“I am honored and humbled to receive this scholarship, and I greatly appreciate this extra help. I will put it to good use!” said Teresa McMurray,  a pathology administrative assistant in Pardee’s lab department, one of the Circle of Caring Scholarship recipients.   

The Circle of Caring Scholarship Program aims to help Pardee employees develop professionally, offering support for various educational pursuits, including non-tuition-based professional development, medical-based certifications, leadership development or certifications, technical training, research, conferences,seminars and summits. 

Eligible applicants must be employed at Pardee for at least one year, provide a documented educational or professional development plan approved by their supervisor, and not be under any disciplinary or corrective action at the time of application. Employees at the director level and above are not eligible to apply. 

Once awarded, recipients are required to complete their training within one year of scholarship approval and to remain employed at Pardee for at least one year after the training.  

Most donations to the Circle of Caring come through bi-weekly payroll contributions from Pardee employees. However, the community and businesses can support the program through one-time or recurring gifts via the foundation’s online donation link. “The Circle of Caring Scholarship Program is more than just a financial resource. It’s a testament to Pardee’s dedication to its employees' growth and fostering a culture of excellence in healthcare,” said Pardee President and CEO Jay Kirby. “Through this program, Pardee’s mission of delivering exceptional care extends beyond the bedside, creating opportunities for continuous learning and development that benefit both the hospital’s staff and the patients they serve.”