Dale Fleck, MSN, CRNA, Clinical CRNA Director, UPMC Presbyterian; Jennifer Fleegle-Vitsas, MSN, CRNA, Assistant Clinical CRNA Director, UPMC Presbyterian; and Derek Reckard, MSN, CRNA, Clinical CRNA Director, UPMC Digestive Health and Endoscopy Center and Assistant Clinical CRNA Director, UPMC Presbyterian, have been honored as winners of the UPMC Physician Services “Extra Mile” Award for Quarter 4.
The award celebrates individuals who not only perform their roles with exceptional dedication, but also go above and beyond, elevate morale, embody UPMC’s values, and uplift everyone around them. For Dale, Jenn, and Derek, this recognition comes as no surprise to those who work beside them.
The three UPMC Presbyterian CRNA directors were nominated for their exceptional commitment to the education of student registered nurse anesthetists (SRNAs) at UPMC Presbyterian. Despite demanding director roles, they prioritize one of the system’s largest SRNA cohorts, often more than 20 students per rotation, by creating structure, stability, and consistent support across training. They expanded mentorship beyond first rotations by helping establish and lead the Leadership Mentor Program, giving each student a consistent director point of contact to secure needed cases, navigate challenges, and receive thoughtful debriefing after difficult days. They also sustain morale and continuous improvement by personally hosting end‑of‑rotation lunches to gather candid feedback and act on it. Through these actions, they exemplify UPMC’s values - quality and safety, responsibility and integrity, dignity and respect, caring and listening, and excellence and innovation - resulting in a learning environment where students feel welcomed, supported, and included, as reflected in strong, recurring student feedback on their visibility, accessibility, and advocacy.
Congratulations to Dale, Jenn, and Derek on their well-earned recognition! We thank them for leading with integrity, compassion, and innovation.