For 18 years, Diana Ingersoll, director of first impressions for the USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Center and Research Institute, has been the warm and comforting smile every patient sees when they walk through the doors.  She has been a part of the many changes the institute and USF Health have gone through. She is considered the cornerstone for patients, according to Daniel Minor, senior director of USF Health Development and Alumni Relations.  She is no stranger to going above and beyond, always taking special care of patients at Byrd Center, who typically have challenging neurological and memory issues.  And, she always does it with a smile on her face, he added.

On one occasion, she assisted a patient who had difficulty recalling where they parked their car.  Diana coordinated with the campus parking services to help drive the patient around the lot to find it.  She ultimately organized transportation back to the assisted living facility where the patient lives, and then to find out that’s where the car was located.

“Diana’s warm smile and genuine care for people was especially comforting for those coming with challenging neurological concerns,” Minor said in his nomination.  “Diana is first class and plays a vital role with making life better each and every day for all those visiting USF Health.”

Diana was officially recognized as a culture champion when Charles Lockwood, MD, MHCM, USF Health executive vice president and Morsani College of Medicine dean, surprised her with a Culture Coin March 14.