May 2026 Honoree
Sarah Konves, RN
I am honored to recognize Sarah Konves on behalf of an employee for extraordinary advocacy and leadership.
The employee came to Sarah in tears, asking for help. She had undergone a dental procedure, but was experiencing recurrent infections. After being evaluated, she was determined to need 3 to 6 months of long-term IV antibiotic therapy.
The recommended treatment, even with insurance, would have been at least $5000/month, a financial burden that would be unreasonable for anyone to manage.
Sarah immediately jumped into action. She started making phone calls and sending emails. She got a team together of staff from the physician's office, pharmacy, home health, and benefits to solve this issue.
Within two days, Sarah was able to secure a solution that reduced Carrie's cost to $60/month. This outcome alone exemplifies exceptional leadership, but Sarah's impact did not stop there.
It was identified that there was a systemic issue. Avita did not have a tier 1 provider for medications given through home health, which contributed to the high cost initially. This was an obstacle other Avita employees faced.
By pulling multiple leaders together, Sarah sparked critical conversations. There is now a plan in place to address this gap. This will improve access and affordability.
Sarah's actions demonstrated leadership at its very best. She did not just solve an individual problem; she created change. Her advocacy reflects deep care for her team, the courage to challenge the systems, and leadership that inspires trust and gratitude.
The employee came to Sarah in tears, asking for help. She had undergone a dental procedure, but was experiencing recurrent infections. After being evaluated, she was determined to need 3 to 6 months of long-term IV antibiotic therapy.
The recommended treatment, even with insurance, would have been at least $5000/month, a financial burden that would be unreasonable for anyone to manage.
Sarah immediately jumped into action. She started making phone calls and sending emails. She got a team together of staff from the physician's office, pharmacy, home health, and benefits to solve this issue.
Within two days, Sarah was able to secure a solution that reduced Carrie's cost to $60/month. This outcome alone exemplifies exceptional leadership, but Sarah's impact did not stop there.
It was identified that there was a systemic issue. Avita did not have a tier 1 provider for medications given through home health, which contributed to the high cost initially. This was an obstacle other Avita employees faced.
By pulling multiple leaders together, Sarah sparked critical conversations. There is now a plan in place to address this gap. This will improve access and affordability.
Sarah's actions demonstrated leadership at its very best. She did not just solve an individual problem; she created change. Her advocacy reflects deep care for her team, the courage to challenge the systems, and leadership that inspires trust and gratitude.
Thank you, Sarah, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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