2021 Barb Gonnella Award recipient: Christine Cahill, MS, RN, BSN

Christine is the Patient Blood Management (PBM) program coordinator at the University of Rochester and has been in this position for almost six years.  From day one, Christine proved to be an incredibly hard worker who makes the most of her opportunities.  She has shown herself to be highly clinically and academically involved.  Her participation and initiation of several projects, such as her role in the development of an adult ECMO transfusion protocol, made significant changes in the cardiac ICU transfusion practices.  In addition, she played a major role in the development of the institution’s anemia clinic, where all surgery candidates are screened for anemia in order to manage prior to their scheduled procedures.  In the thrombosis and hemostasis laboratory, she very enthusiastically assisted in implementation of thromboelastography testing and made significant contributions in the development of an anemia screening panel.

Christine has also contributed greatly to staff education, including nurses, residents, and fellows throughout the medical center.  She shows outstanding commitment to transfusion medicine service, staff, and to patient care.  She consistently goes above and beyond the call of duty.  She is capable of dealing with challenging or difficult situations in a very scientific and practical fashion.  She takes her clinical responsibilities very seriously and is proactive in advocating for patients.  She also displays exceptional clinical knowledge and critical thinking when interpreting complex cases.

On a personal level, Christine is receptive to feedback and works on both professional and personal growth.  She is focused, driven, and works exceptionally hard.