May 25th, 2022 by WCBC Radio

UPMC Western Maryland recently honored Tim McGraw, RN, as its 2022 Pinnacle award winner – its Employee of the Year.

    Tim is a practice-based care manager in the Center for Clinical Resources and has 37 years of service at UPMC Western Maryland. He is recognized as an excellent nurse with unmatched compassion and uncommon problem-solving ability. “I strive to treat patients as I would my family,” Tim said. He shows patients empathy and compassion when they need it most. Taking the time to identify barriers and solve them is Tim’s forte. He connects with his patients and how they gravitate toward him. He is an amazing nurse, advocate, and team player.

    Tim was selected from a group of eight colleagues, all Values in Action award winners. These employees are pillars of UPMC Western Maryland’s Core Values. Each VIA award winner displayed specific and sustained accomplishments exceeding expectations to meet the challenge of healthcare change. The Values in Action committee works throughout the year to select monthly honorees, but due to logistical considerations brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, only eight employees were chosen in 2021.

     “Tim and all of our honorees represent the best that UPMC has to offer, and they make a difference in the lives of our patients every day,” UPMC Western Maryland President Michele Martz said. Care managers like Tim are vital resources for our patients. UPMC is honored to have them as employees.”

    As the Pinnacle award winner, Tim receives a prime parking spot for the entire year and was also presented with a cash award by Martz at an awards dinner honoring the VIA winners. The WMHS Foundation sponsored the event and the cash prize. "The WMHS Foundation is honored to sponsor this event, a tradition of recognizing the brightest and best of UPMC Western Maryland,” said Karen Johnson, Chief Development Officer, WMHS Foundation.