Exemplary Employee Sammie Gonzalez (front row, center) receives congratulations from co-workers in the Surgery Department of Memorial Hospital of Gardena.
Congratulations to Semurana “Sammie” Gonzalez, recipient of this month’s Exemplary Employee Award for Memorial Hospital of Gardena. The new award recognizes outstanding employees who demonstrate their commitment to patients, family and co-workers through acts of caring, compassion and excellent customer service.
Sammie works as a Surgery Scheduler in our Surgery Department. She joined our Gardena team in July 2013.
Sammie is a great asset to the OR! She is always helpful to everybody and is professional and efficient! She helps patients, families, and all personnel who come to the department from other parts of the hospital.
I have known Sammie since 2014. Sammie has always been willing to help me regarding scheduling surgery patients. She goes on and beyond to solve an issue. She has been an oasis each and every time a surgery director has left, as well as when a new director takes over her department. She not only goes the extra mile to help her department in any way possible, she also has built a relationship with other internal departments such as Admitting. I feel very privileged to work with Sammie and put our patients first beside the obstacles we face on daily basis.
Sammie not only does an exceptional job going above and beyond her obligations, but she does so with a smile. Nearly every week says and means things like, “I just want patients and doctors to be happy here.” Keeping a large set of surgeons from all specialties happy is not only next to impossible, but also not seen at other hospitals. Surgery is arguably the lifeblood and the largest revenue generator at our hospital. She truly defines “Exemplary.”
Sammie goes above and beyond for her unit and the patients. Her giving and caring heart make her an extroardinary person. She is willing to take call at all hours of the day and night to ensure that the surgeries get done. Her close relationship with the doctors and staff ensures that things will run smoothly. Everyone puts their trust in her and what she can do and is capable of. She is truly a gift not only to her unit, but also to the facility as well.
Sammie has demonstrated a commitment to excellence and a willingness to go far beyond her job duties in order to facilitate a smooth experience in the operating room and scheduling for both physicians and patients. She does this regularly, without fanfare, and to the betterment of the department. Her selfless dedication to helping and improving the lives of others is an inspiration to us all.
This award carries with it a certificate of recognition as well as a $100 gift card, and honorees will have use of a premium parking space at our hospital for one month. In addition, honorees will be featured in our Pulse newsletter as an Exemplary Employee, and their photos will be displayed on a plaque in a public area of the hospital.
7.24.2025