The Karis Award was established by the Sponsorship Board to formally recognize the many caring persons at Mayo Clinic Rochester who go out of their way to serve patients, visitors and colleagues. The award is part of the Mayo Recognition Program.

The word "karis" comes from the Greek word for "caring."

The Karis Award may be given to an individual who is recognized for exceptional overall performance reflecting Mayo/Franciscan values over a period of time, or an individual who is a good performer and is worthy of recognition for a single exemplary act.

The values which nominees demonstrate through noteworthy performance consist of these:

Primacy of the Patient

• Provides and promotes an environment of caring and support, always aware that the needs of the patient are primary and come before our personal concerns.

Trust

• Has consistently demonstrated integrity and sincerity, and provides openness and non-judgmental listening for patients, their families, and each other.

Compassion

• Is sensitive and responsive to both the emotional and physical needs of others; expresses empathy in word or gesture that provides a sense of care and support.

Respect

• Safeguards the dignity as well as the privacy of each person; recognizes another's accomplishments, health, and/or property; acknowledges differences with deference and regard.

Spiritual Support

• Recognizes and appreciates the spirituality of self and others; appropriately offers support within this dimension of human need.

Commitment to Excellence

• Sets personal performance standards above what is expected.
• Has ambition for the success of the work team and for the goals of the organization.

Commitment to Teamwork

• Recognizes and respects the value of group effort.
• Finds personal reward in the success of the work group.

All staff, students and auxilians/volunteers at Mayo Clinic Rochester are eligible to participate in this recognition program. An individual may be nominated by a co-worker, auxilian, patient or visitor. Nominations may be submitted online, or by completing the Mayo Awards for Excellence form available at Mayo Activities publications racks located throughout the medical center. A letter explaining specific reasons/scenarios (i.e., how/why the nominee stands out beyond expected performance) must accompany the form.

Ordinarily, nominations are reviewed monthly by a task force of the Sponsorship Board. Those selected to receive the award are identified to the supervisor and are presented with the Karis Award pin and certificate at a recognition event within their work group. Awards are presented by a member of the Karis Award Task Force.