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» A AMC MAGA Z I N E | W I N T E R 2 01 5
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.
Personality Plus
During his time in the Army, Will Younkin,
a biomedical engineer at AAMC, enjoyed
with his fellow soldiers what he calls “esprit
de corps.”
“It’s a phrase that means unity,
brotherhood,” he says.
Will applies this same concept to his
teammates at AAMC. “We depend on each
other so much at the hospital and work
toward a common goal: caring for patients
and their families.”
About three years ago, Will had an idea for
how to capitalize on this work camaraderie.
Partnering with Energize
SM
, AAMC’s
wellness movement, Will sent out an email
asking who might be interested in forming a
work softball team.
“We immediately got 56 responses,” says
Will, with a smile.
So they started with two softball teams.
Now, three years later, 180 employees
(including some friends and family members)
represent “Team AAMC,” competing on
three softball teams and two kickball teams.
The teams have done well, winning two
recreation league championship titles.
“There are two rules to follow,” Will says.
“Rule #1: Show up. And rule #2: Have fun.”
People from a wide spectrum of
physical ability as well as job roles—from
housekeepers to nurses and doctors to
executives—all play together.
“People who previously didn’t interact
at the hospital now see each other and talk
about how they’re going to beat a certain
team this weekend,” says Will.
Playing a team sport has encouraged other
healthy habits in employees.
“I know one person who is playing after
having a double knee replacement. Others
have started running 5K races, something
they previously didn’t believe was possible,”
he says.
What’s next for AAMC team sports? “We
just started an indoor volleyball team,”
says Will. And he’s looking into organizing
some training for extreme sports like the
Warrior Dash.
“We depend
on each
other at the
hospital and
work toward a
common goal:
caring for
patients and
families.”
— Will Younkin
All
together
now