Doc You Rock – May

Memorial Hospital
Olajide Benson, MD
Neuro-Critical Care

The enormous praise for Dr. Olajide Benson, neurointensivist at Memorial Hospital, from his compassion and sense of humor to his knowledge and commitment to exceptional patient care, makes him an easy choice for the Rockin’ Doc award.

“The needs of the patient are always No. 1 to him. He will go above and beyond to ensure the patients’ needs and care are met. He truly treats his patients and their family as if they are his own family. He just wants the best for his patients, ALWAYS. He is always thorough, always accessible and concerned about every detail of the patient’s care. He uses the latest evidence-based care literature to care for his patients.”

In fact, Dr. Benson makes it a point to consistently roam the intensive care unit, asking about his patients, answering staff questions and teaching as he goes. He understands the importance of teaching, because in the end, it means better care.

“Dr. Benson always takes the time to educate the staff. When it comes to reading CT scans, I’m nearly a pro,” acknowledges a staff member. “He advocates for his patients and is always available for calls. He frequently stays over or comes in to make sure his patients are stable and doing OK. He’s just an amazing physician.”

Using a multidisciplinary approach to patient care, Dr. Benson brings everyone together in a way that ensures the best care.

“As the neurointensivist, he pulls together all members of the patient care team for consistency and continuity. He talks with neurosurgeons and their nurse practitioners, works with physical and occupational therapists to collaborate on patient activities and discusses patient care with nurses and respiratory therapists.”

“He is truly part of our ‘family,’ making sure to always consider the nurses’ needs as well as the patients’. He’s more than just ‘rockin,’ he’s phenomenal.”

Elkhart General
Jason Bailey, MD
Emergency Department

“A regular guy who happens to be a fantastic doctor” — that’s how one staff member describes the personable, genuine and funny, Dr. Jason Bailey.

“Dr. Bailey always gives awesome patient care and makes sure to address the patients’ concerns and complaints. He is the type of doctor that when he leaves the room, the patient says, ‘He is really nice. I really like that doctor.’”

His compassion and caring shows in his work.

“Every time he leaves a patient’s room, he checks one more time to see if they need anything and then he facilitates fulfilling that need. He makes his patients laugh and tries to cheer them up while keeping a professional manner 100 percent of the time.”

Dr. Bailey makes it known that everyone has a valuable role in the Emergency Department.

“He treats techs and registration as equals, and always says thank you. He doesn’t stay inside the ‘doctor bubble’ and will come out to communicate important matters face-to-face. During codes, he lets each team member do their role, while still controlling the situation.”

And during tense medical situations, “He is calm and knows exactly what to do. He’s definitely the kind of doctor you would want if a medical emergency was happening to you.”

This Rockin’ Doc has the respect of all those he works with, including housekeepers, technicians, nurses and secretaries — and that’s because he respects them.

“Nurses and pharmacy techs look forward to coming into work when they know Dr. Bailey is on that day. He makes work fun and is genuinely a great doctor to work with.”