University Medicine is a medical group that practices what it preaches: its three missions of patient care, teaching and research are fully integrated into the workplace.

That approach translates into an internal-medicine practice in which its values and principles are inculcated into every aspect of how employees treat patients – and each other, as well as connect with the community. The firm has won recognition for the third year in a row for being one of the Best Places To Work by Providence Business News.

Many of the medical group’s physicians and staff are encouraged to regularly volunteer at community-based organizations, including Star Kids, AIDS Care Ocean State and AIDS Project Rhode Island. Physicians volunteer at the Rhode Island Free Clinic.

University Medicine practices management by “walking around,” with management having a regular presence at its 18 sites. “When you’re walking around, talking to people, you learn things you wouldn’t learn otherwise, sitting in your office, in your bubble,” said Tammy Lederer, chief human resources officer at University Medicine.

The medical group also believes in office innovation. It went paperless with payroll in April of this year.

And University Medicine promotes the health of its employees. It is engaged in a fitness challenge with Rhode Island Medical Imaging. The competition is for teams and individuals alike.

“We’ve always participated in ShapeUp RI. This year, we wanted to do something with another medical group,” Lederer said. “The winning team gets a healthy lunch, bought for by the company that loses.” •