Long-time friends Paul Roberson (L) and Rick Hasamear “back in the day.” They have worked together at Chromalloy Kidney Center for 35 years. (credit: Jean Audrain)
WashU Nephrology congratulates Paul Roberson, Chromalloy Kidney Center’s new manager of technical services for dialysis operation, as we also wish a happy retirement to Patrick (Rick) Hasamear. Roberson has worked at Chromalloy for 37 years and is taking the helm from Hasamear, who is a 35-year Chromalloy veteran.
Paul Roberson – promoted to manager of technical services for dialysis operation.
Paul Roberson has an associate in applied sciences degree in electronic engineering technology from St. Louis Community College. Early in his career at Chromalloy, he worked as a special procedures attendant in reuse and supply management and then an equipment maintenance technician. Since 1994, Roberson has been the chief dialysis maintenance technician at Chromalloy and has been instrumental in the management of purchasing activities, machine maintenance, other equipment maintenance. Recently, Roberson led the installation of the Fresenius T dialysis machines at Chromalloy.
“I am very excited for Roberson to lead the biomed group as we move forward,” says Jodean Baldauf, WashU nephrology’s senior director of business operations & business development. “Paul has so much expertise in biomed and purchasing and is very well suited for this position.” Roberson stepped into this important role at Chromalloy in April, 2020, at the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis.
Rick Hasamear retires after 35 years at Chromalloy Kidney Center.
Rick Hasamear, who retired at the end of last month, has been the manager of technical services at Chromalloy since 2000. He has worked on numerous construction projects and assisted in the design and construction of five dialysis centers.
“Rick has led the biomed department with great success and dedication,” says Baldauf. “He is always eager to assist others – and with a smile. Rick is creative and can fix anything. He has given so much to our division, co-workers, dialysis centers and patients. We will miss him immensely.”
In response to an outpouring of best wishes from co-workers on his retirement, Hasamear says, “I’m grateful for the opportunity to have a career working with such talented people at Washington University. I found dedication, friendship and many helping hands over the years.” He gives special thanks to Baldauf for giving him the opportunity to lead and the guidance to fill a manager’s shoes.
Jodean Baldauf and Rick Hasamear visit a construction site for a WashU dialysis center.
“Doctors, nurses, social workers, dieticians, technicians, accounting … we all worked together and cared,” he says. “While I feel it’s my time to retire, I’ll miss that daily feeling of accomplishment with my work family.”
Hasamear is quick to congratulate Roberson on his promotion. “Paul is an incredible co-worker. We worked together for my entire 35 years, so I have no doubt that his technical skills will bring huge benefits. Together, we gave exceptional care to our clinics and to each other.”
Although Roberson took over the manager position at the beginning of April, Hasamear stayed on for two months to help out, especially with supply procurement, during the early days of the COVID-19 shortages.
“Rick, we will miss you!” says Roberson. “We have been working – and sometimes playing – together for the last 35 years. Thanks for sticking around to insure a seamless transition.”
Paul Roberson at play.