​(Washington, D.C.) – On June 27, doctors, nurses, managers and associates waited in a Pasquerilla Healthcare Center conference room decked with American flags for the arrival of the incredibly popular Lahsen Bentata. They waved American flags, cheered and applauded upon Bentata’s appearance. The reason for this surprise party? Bentata, originally from Morocco, passed his Naturalization Test on June 21, and is now, officially a citizen of the United States of America.

Wearing his Environmental Services uniform and a star-spangled top hat, Bentata was all smiles as he accepted congratulations from his well wishers.

Of his five years living in the United States, he has worked at MedStar Georgetown for a little over three. “I love this place, I love the people, I love the company. It’s my favorite place. When I’m here, I’m happy,” said Bentata.

It was clear that Lahsen Bentata is well-liked by his MGUH colleagues. They describe him as a likeable, hardworking people person. According to Bentata’s Manager Kevin Lomax, operational manager for Environmental Services, he is “always punctual and pleasant, very nice to get along with… I can always count on him.”

Among the well wishers was operational manager for Environmental Services Walter Royster, Bentata’s former manager. He remembers when Bentata started the citizenship process, and stopped by to offer his congratulations and a hug.

Bentata is not the only employee who has become a citizen while working at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. However, Bentata did take his test just in time for the Independence Day, making the numerous flags decorating the room all the more appropriate.

Bentata said the test was not hard because he studied a book and practiced on the computer. Of the 100 possible questions, he recalls being asked about the Declaration of Independence, the order of presidential succession, and how many Justices sit on the Supreme Court.

Now that he is a citizen, Bentata will apply for a green card for his wife, who has also been studying, so that she can join him in the United States.

The Naturalization Oath Ceremony for Bentata and other newly naturalized citizens took place on June 28th. 

About MedStar Georgetown University Hospital

MedStar Georgetown University Hospital is a not-for-profit, acute-care teaching and research hospital with 609 beds located in Northwest Washington, D.C. Founded in the Jesuit principle of cura personalis—caring for the whole person—MedStar Georgetown is committed to offering a variety of innovative diagnostic and treatment options within a trusting and compassionate environment.

MedStar Georgetown’s centers of excellence include neurosciences, transplant, cancer and gastroenterology. Along with Magnet® nurses, internationally recognized physicians, advanced research and cutting-edge technologies, MedStar Georgetown’s healthcare professionals have a reputation for medical excellence and leadership. MedStar Georgetown University Hospital—Knowledge and Compassion Focused on You.

About MedStar Health

MedStar Health combines the best aspects of academic medicine, research and innovation with a complete spectrum of clinical services to advance patient care. As the largest healthcare provider in Maryland and the Washington, D.C., region, MedStar’s 10 hospitals, the MedStar Health Research Institute and a comprehensive scope of health-related organizations are recognized regionally and nationally for excellence in medical care. MedStar has one of the largest graduate medical education programs in the country, training more than 1,100 medical residents annually, and is the medical education and clinical partner of Georgetown University. MedStar Health is a $4.5 billion not-for-profit, regional healthcare system based in Columbia, Maryland, and one of the largest employers in the region. Its almost 30,000 associates and 6,000 affiliated physicians all support MedStar Health’s Patient First philosophy that combines care, compassion and clinical excellence with an emphasis on customer service.

Marianne Worley
703-558-1287
[email protected]

Patient Contact: 202-342-2400