
Cuyuna Regional Medical Center Medical Lab Scientist Jennie Riles of Baxter recently received the organization’s Trophy Fish Award for going above and beyond by working after hours to assist a patient who was having a transfusion reaction.
Riles was nominated by Lab Manager McMillan who received a message commending Riles about how outstanding she was in handling the difficult situation. “So proud of you and thankful for your expertise,” wrote Medical Laboratory Director Dr. Tamera Lillemoe. “Thank you for your excellent care and attention to detail!”
Pathologist Dr. Erik Jenson sent a message to Dr. Lillemoe about the fantastic interaction he had with Riles, the Blood Bank Lead. He informed Riles of a very difficult antibody workup required on a patient coming in for a transfusion, and despite it being a very difficult case, she handled it calmly and professionally. When the patient had a reaction, Riles identified underlying issues and helped connect the patient with the on-call hospitalist who admitted the patient and worked on his health issues. Riles continued working on the case for three hours after her shift ended.
Riles has been a member of CRMC’s staff since 2012. She has also worked at the University of Minnesota and Sanford Health. Rile earned her Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science at South Dakota State University.