Medical Office Assistant Crystal Aguayo wins BEE Award 

The Institute recognized an outstanding staff member: Crystal Aguayo, Medical Office Assistant, with the BEE Award on October 22, 2025 as part of Medical Office Assistants Day.

The BEE Award honors Medical Office Assistants (MOAs) and Patient Service Representatives (PSRs) who demonstrate integrity, commitment, advocacy, respect and excellence in patient care. The award draws from nominations from patients, patients’ families and fellow staff. “BEE” stands for “Be Excellent Everyday.”

Ms. Aguayo serves as Lead Medical Office Assistant at the Pine Street Family Health Center. Here is an excerpt from Ms. Aguayo’s nomination, which was submitted anonymously and has been edited for readability:

“As a patient, I am both grateful and inspired to be in the expert care of someone who is so genuinely excelling in their profession. I’d like to nominate Crystal for the BEE Award, as her skills and care truly stand out. Her listening skills are outstanding—one feels as if they have her full attention from the moment she enters the room. Her demeanor is clear, compassionate, and warm, while her grounded sense of empathy welcomes trust and feedback. Crystal’s sense of humor helped me to relax on a stressful day. She is thorough and focused on aspects of patient care that are helping me catch up on routine health matters and help me find balance in a time of great transition. I also want to recognize all staff at this wonderful practice. The ability to access top-quality health care, regardless of my income, has made a difference in my quality of life. To be treated with respect and such a high standard of care makes me feel worthy, as a human, to strive and put the time and work in to reach for better health. Way to go Crystal and all at the Institute for Family Health for going above and beyond to make time for human deeds! Keep up your amazing work and thank you for all you do!”

The Institute is so grateful to our MOAs and PSRs for the attention and care they show our patients. Their vital support is a key part of our efforts to provide top quality care to all patients who come through our doors.