Ayonna Smith, a patient encounter specialist for the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, has been named a 2023 Patient Experience Hero.

Each year during Patient Experience Week, the UAB Medicine Office of Patient Experience & Engagement recognizes UAB team members considered "Patient Experience Heroes." These individuals are nominated by their peers as heroes that always keep patients their top priority, enhance the patient experience, and exhibit UAB’s core values - do right, work together, always care, own it - on a consistent basis. 

A "shining star" in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Ayonna consistently goes above and beyond to assist patients. She treats her patients like family, shows compassion, and embodies UAB's core values by taking the initiative to ensure patients are well taken care of and they know they are a top priority.