Cuyuna Regional Medical Center Patient Access Specialist Crystal Atwater of Emily on April 29 received the organization’s Trophy Fish Award for going above and beyond by showing extra compassion for a patient undergoing a difficult time.

Recently, a Rehabilitation patient called CRMC to cancel her appointment saying she was too emotional because of her spouse having surgery for cancer. Atwater received the call and took the time to speak and relate to the patient with her own personal experience. The patient was very appreciative of the extra time to talk. Atwater then notified the Physical Therapist of the call and suggested he call the patient as well to check in and provide support. The therapist called the patient and she was very appreciative of everything. “All of this was due to Crystal taking the time, initiative, relating, going beyond and putting the patient first,” her nominator wrote.

A member of CRMC’s staff since 2017, Atwater is a graduate of Crosby-Ironton High School. She previously served as assistant front desk manager for three years and assistant housekeeping manager for 12 years at Narveson Management, Inc., in Breezy Point.

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