Doc You Rock

Doc You Rock is a physician recognition program at Beacon Health System. Associates nominate a physician who excels in areas of patient care, are personable, and most of all, are great team players!

Robert Austgen, DDS

Dr. Robert Austgen does not have the easiest of jobs: he performs a wide range of dental procedures for children and adults with special needs under anesthesia in the Outpatient Surgery Center. On staff at Memorial for more than 35 years, he received 36 nominations from coworkers stating that “he is first and foremost an excellent dentist!”

Each day, Dr. Austgen welcomes adults with special needs and children from diverse backgrounds, yet he treats everyone the same—like they are family. He works closely with medical interpreters to inform and educate Spanish-speaking patients and their parents. Always joking, he makes the children laugh and is often seen playing with them in pre-op. Dr. Austgen works well with special needs adult patients as well. Ever aware of their fears, he makes them feel safe. He never gets upset with cancellations or patients who are late, but is understanding of life’s circumstances.

When asked about special qualities, Associates comment that Dr. Austgen is a “true professional gentleman” and a “true saint caring for handicapped patients.” “He has the demeanor of a loving grandfather with the kids … providing T-shirts and ‘treasure chests’ for their extracted teeth.”

When interacting with coworkers, one Associate wrote, “Team player is an understatement…Dr. Austgen is AWESOME!” Very approachable and gentle, he is also highly professional, following protocols and interacting with staff to ensure that the day flows seamlessly.

He knows every Associate in the department by name. When communicating with them, he knows how to have a conversation (not a lecture) about what needs to be done. “Dr. Austgen is caring, loving, and tender-hearted with patients and staff… he is always willing to listen and allows you to be heard … always.”

James O. Jin, M.D.

It’s not uncommon for oncology patients to feel overwhelmed and scared when they enter an oncology care office. Oncology/Hematology specialist James O. Jin, M.D., goes out of his way to calm patients and their families and ensure they receive the one-on-one attention they deserve. Dr. Jin is known by patients and staff alike for his bright, positive attitude and the sincere care he takes in speaking with and treating patients.

Whether it’s a weekend or the middle of the night, Dr. Jin makes himself available to patients, checking on their status and making sure every question they have is answered.

Nurses and staff can count on Dr. Jin to respond warmly to pages (no matter the hour) and to treat all coworkers with respect. He makes it a point to learn the name of every new Associate and calls everyone by name which is appreciated by his team.

“Dr. Jin is available always for patients,” says one staff member. “He visits the unit sometimes twice a day, makes time for staff questions and is supportive of all staff in every venture.”

Along with his compassion and professionalism, Dr. Jin possesses a contagious sense of humor that helps put patients at ease. He even donned goofy pink sunglasses and a boa for the hospital’s “pink glove dance video” a couple of years ago.

“He has true compassion for his work. He is always happy to help … and always has a smile on his face.”