Ten Years at CHOC

Today, Stephanie was honored along with a goodly number of employees for longevity of service to CHOC Children's Hospital.  She was recognized with a nice luncheon with nurses and other staff whose tenure at CHOC ranged from 30 years to 5.  I told Steph I was proud that she had affiliated with such a good organization for a decade.  She said she was glad, too, remarking that CHOC is a good place to work, though imperfect as any organization inevitably is.  Still, to be part of an institution that prizes excellence and to contribute to its mission is an honor.  I've written enough about my connection to UCI for readers to know that I feel privileged to be on the faculty—though the specific experiences of any one day, be they bureaucratic red tape or a frustrating run-in, can make me fantasize about lying in a hammock long-term with a cool drink in hand.  But today is about my spouse: Hats off to Stephanie Rider Martinez, R.N.  On many mornings, just before she drives off to work, I often call out, "Make the babies healthier."  She typically answers, "I'll try."  She has, she does, and she will.