WBJ names the Champions of Health Care for 2024
WBJ names the 12 recipients of its 2024 Champions of Health Care Awards.
Navigating the American healthcare system is a nightmare: buying the proper insurance, obtaining insurance pre-approval for the care you need, finding an in-network provider who is taking on patients in an industry ravaged by workforce shortages, visiting (and paying) your primary care provider just so you can get approval to visit (and pay) a specialist for the care you really need, rushing to the hospital in an emergency not knowing if your final bill will be $50 or six figures.
Amid all this red-tape chaos, it’s easy to forget the healthcare industry is overwhelmingly filled with professionals dedicated to helping people live healthier and happier lives. It takes a very special person to run a memory care ward at a skilled nursing facility, or hold a patient’s hand while they are dying, or provide care to the homeless population in a compassionate and respectful way, or offer free education on the best ways to care for special needs children after their parents die. Health professionals interact with people at vulnerable points in their lives and provide professional and effective care.
This is why WBJ launched its Champions of Health Care awards last year, nearly two decades after we last had an honor specifically for the healthcare industry. The entire sector is facing multiple crises right now (workforce shortages, hospital closures, insurance reimbursement shortfalls, vaccine skepticism, etc.), but it is populated by people who represent the best of us. In the below profiles, you’ll read about how this year’s 12 award winners are making the world a better place as physicians, a dentist, nurses, support staff, and administration. In a world of chaos and uncertainty, they are an inspiration.
In addition to honoring our Champions of Health Care in this edition, WBJ is hosting a special forum and ceremony at 3 p.m. on Dec. 11 at the Hogan Campus Center at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester. If you would like to hear more about these amazing professionals and meet them in person, I invite you to register.
Brad Kane is editor of Worcester Business Journal.
The 2024 Champions of Health Care
Physicians of the Year
Dr. Erik Garcia, Benedict Family Medicine at UMass Memorial Medical Center-University Campus
Dr. Mireya Wessolossky, UMass Memorial Health
Dentist of the Year
Chelsea Perry, Elite Dental Studio
Healthcare Leader - Patient Support
Angela Rosado, Tatnuck Park at Worcester
Healthcare Leader - Administration
Justin Precourt, UMass Memorial Health
Mental Health Provider of the Year
Dr. Xuejing Li, Seven Hills Foundation
First Responder of the Year
Eric Jack, Royalston and Athol fire departments
Outstanding Healthcare Collaboration
Gretheline Bolandrina, Bay Path Practical Nursing Academy
Healthcare Leader - Community Outreach
Sara Oliveira, Point32Health/Tufts Health Plan
Outstanding Support Staff
Ivelisse Delgado, Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center
Healthcare Professional of the Year
Madeline Lane, UMass Memorial Community Medical Group
Healthcare Leader - Professional Services
Frederick Misilo, Fletcher Tilton
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