Celebrating Healthcare Excellence: The HeroesFIRST 2024 Winners

Celebrating the Outstanding Heroes of Healthcare

In a heartfelt recognition of dedication and compassion, ImageFIRST has announced the winners of their 4th Annual HeroesFIRST Contest. This initiative celebrates extraordinary individuals in the healthcare field who have gone above and beyond in serving their communities and making a significant impact on patient lives. This year, the contest received an impressive number of nominations, with over 470 submissions highlighting the incredible work of healthcare professionals across the nation.

Unveiling the Top Eight Heroes

Now, let's shine a spotlight on the remarkable individuals who stood out in this year’s competition. After a public voting period, eight heroes were awarded for their inspiring contributions. The winners, recognized for their commitment to excellence, are:

1. Paula Cote, Huggins Hospital
2. Ashley Swenson, HonorHealth
3. Jennifer Levi, Alive Hospice
4. Dawn Compres, Ronald McDonald House
5. Deborah Hunter, Bailey Square Surgery Center
6. Erica Murphy, Regional SurgiCenter
7. Rita Hartman, North Shore Gastroenterology & Endoscopy Center
8. Natalie Powers, The University of Kansas Health System

Each of these honorees has shown exceptional commitment to patient care, earning their place among the top healthcare heroes of the year. As part of the recognition, a total of $16,500 in cash prizes will be awarded, with the option for winners to direct equivalent donations to charities of their choice.

Stories That Inspire

The HeroesFIRST initiative is filled with numerous inspiring stories. For instance, Paula Cote was nominated for her unwavering dedication to the community. Jorge Parra, an ImageFIRST District Service Manager, remarked on her genuine compassion for patients and her consistent exemplary care for co-workers and community members. "Paula stands out as a hero every day!" he said.

Paula herself expressed her gratitude upon hearing about her recognition, stating, "It is an honor to be recognized by an organization as remarkable as ImageFIRST. My achievements are a reflection of the amazing support from Huggins Hospital's administration and my colleagues. Thank you all!"

Impact on the Healthcare Community

Edward H. Orzetti, CEO of ImageFIRST, emphasized the profound effect that the HeroesFIRST campaign has throughout the organization and the broader healthcare community. Each nomination reflects stories filled with kindness and selflessness, reminding everyone of the vital role healthcare heroes play in our lives. The recognition encourages not only the nominees but also serves as a catalyst for all individuals in the industry to strive for excellence in service.

Local Celebrations and Community Involvement

Once the winners are announced, local celebrations are scheduled for each recognized hero to honor their contributions. These events will provide an opportunity for family, friends, and colleagues to come together and celebrate these exceptional individuals and their work. ImageFIRST is excited to help facilitate these gatherings and share the stories of these remarkable heroes.

Recognizing All Nominees

Alongside the winners, ImageFIRST also acknowledged other finalists and nominees who significantly impacted their communities. The breadth of nominations showcases the incredible talent and commitment within the healthcare sector, including:

• Elaine Sherfy, Riverwalk Ambulatory Surgery Center
• Amy Taylor, Christus Physician Surgery Center
• Claudia Melendez, Newport Coast Surgical Institute
• David Neal, Roseland Hospital
• Keitha Brown Zittle, Medquest-Novant Health Breast Center
• Karla Ochoa, Alpha Male Plastic Surgery
• Karol Iser, American Cancer Society Hope Lodge KC
• Nayeli Acosta, Dr. Andrew Smith
• Tahisha McLemore, Crescent Regional Hospital
• Julie Hauk, ClearSky Rehabilitation Hospital of Kenosha
• Elizabeth Graf, Ft. Lauderdale Heart & Rhythm Surgery Center
• Dr. Juan Carlos Correa, Kansas City Vascular Institute

The impressive list of nominees showcases the extensive talent and commitment within the healthcare community, and ImageFIRST looks forward to continuing to highlight and support these extraordinary providers.

Conclusion

The HeroesFIRST recognition by ImageFIRST symbolizes more than just awards. It reflects the essential role each healthcare worker plays in uplifting communities and serving with love and compassion. As we move forward, let us continue to celebrate these heroes who inspire us daily through their dedication and selfless service. ImageFIRST remains committed to supporting professionals in the healthcare industry, finding ways to ensure that their efforts don’t go unnoticed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HeroesFIRST?

HeroesFIRST is an initiative by ImageFIRST that recognizes and celebrates healthcare professionals who make significant contributions to their communities and patients.

How are the winners selected?

The winners are chosen based on public votes following nominations submitted by the ImageFIRST Service Team.

What do the winners receive?

The winners receive cash prizes, along with the option to direct equivalent donations to charities of their choice.

When will the local celebrations for the winners take place?

Local celebrations will be scheduled following the announcement of the winners to honor and recognize their contributions.

How many nominations were received for the 2024 contest?

Over 470 nominations were received for this year's contest, showcasing the vast amount of extraordinary talent in the healthcare sector.

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