BEE Award Goes to Melinda Wheeler

Melinda was nominated by her director, Nathan Buckalew, who wrote:

“It is an honor to nominate Melinda Wheeler for the BEE Award. Melinda is a board certified pediatric physical therapist and has been our pediatric physical therapist at NMC for more than 20 years. Recently, she discharged a patient that she had been treating for eight years. This patient had a unique and rare diagnosis, as many of Melinda’s patients do. His physicians advised his parents from an early age to have both of his legs amputated, saying they would never be functional for him. Melinda stood in the gap and advised otherwise. When I met this patient 5 years ago, he was coming in using his wheelchair. As he neared his discharge, this young man would stand in the gym and sing Amazing Grace to our older rehab patients, cut up with all of our therapy staff and bring joy to everyone around him. This patient defied the odds and is now able to walk due to his hard work, the prayers and diligence of his parents and family, and the boldness and dedication to providing excellent therapy care provided by Melinda Wheeler.

This is just one example of the excellent care and dedication Melinda has provided to this often underserved and overlooked pediatric population for more than 20 years."

BEE stands for Being Exceptional Everyday. This award recognizes extraordinary service from our non-nursing staff. Any employee from any department (except RNs) can be nominated for the BEE Award. RNs are recognized for exceptional service with The DAISY Award.

BEE Award nominations will be accepted from patients, patients’ family members, physicians, DCH employees and volunteers. If you’ve experienced or witnessed extraordinary service from a DCH team member, then nominate that person for the BEE Award.

Clear display boxes, which include printed nomination forms, are located throughout DCH hospitals for both the BEE Award and The DAISY Award. Click here to use the electronic forms.