First recipient of Orange Pride Award selected

Thursday, January 26, 2017

Kim Bean is the first face parents see when bringing their child to their pediatrician at the OSU Physicians Clinic at Houston Center. And coworkers say Bean’s welcome makes a difference.

“She greets patients and their families as they get off the elevator in our department with a smile on her face,” said Erika Johnson, practice administrator. “Our patients and their families recognize when Kim is not sitting at the front desk and they comment on how sweet she is.”

Bean is the recipient of the inaugural OSU-CHS Orange Pride Award, which recognizes employees who go above and beyond their normal job duties in service to the university.

As a patient service representative in the pediatrics department, Bean’s demeanor is appreciated in what can sometimes be a delicate job.

“I love the patients. How can you not love little kids?” she said.

Bean credits her coworkers with making the job experience a pleasure.

“We are really a good team,” she said. Bean graduated from Broken Arrow High School and completed coursework in early childhood education at Tulsa Community College. Her plan was to become a first-grade teacher.

But when she had a family, she said she was fortunate to be able to stay home to care for them.

In a way, she has come full circle. She has been employed at the clinic for the past eight years.

“I am definitely enjoying this job and I get to be around children at the same time,” Bean said.

Johnson said she is impressed by Bean’s willingness to do everything possible for patients.

Bean works immediately to ensure that a patient’s needs are taken care of, but she also has time to connect with people on a personal basis.

“Kim never loses her patience with the patients or their families,” Johnson said. “She is a dedicated member of our team and we are very grateful to have her as part of our department.”