Voting is Now Open for ImageFIRST's Inspiring HeroesFIRST Contest
ImageFIRST is excited to announce that national voting has begun for its 4th Annual HeroesFIRST Contest. This program honors outstanding healthcare heroes who truly excel at enhancing the patient experience. After reviewing numerous heartfelt nominations, the ImageFIRST panel faced the challenging task of selecting just 20 finalists from many deserving entries. Now, the public can choose their favorites between September 18 and October 4.
Honoring Healthcare Professionals
As a prominent advocate for improving patient care, ImageFIRST is committed to acknowledging the vital contributions of healthcare professionals. Each year, this contest shines a light on those individuals who have shown exceptional dedication to their patients, often overcoming significant hurdles along the way. “Healthcare professionals demonstrate dedication every single day,” explains Edward H. Orzetti, CEO of ImageFIRST. “The HeroesFIRST initiative allows us to highlight these incredible individuals and celebrate the positive impact they have on both their patients and local communities.”
Meet the Finalists of the HeroesFIRST Contest
This year's finalists encompass a diverse range of impactful roles and organizations across the healthcare system. The selection process focused on those whose stories truly stood out among the impressive nominations, showcasing the amazing work happening within local communities. Here are some of the finalists:
- Nayeli Acosta, Dr. Andrew Smith in Irvine, CA
- Dawn Compres, Ronald McDonald House in Miami, FL
- Dr. Juan Carlos Correa, Kansas City Vascular Institute in Overland Park, KS
- Paula Cote, Huggins Hospital in Wolfeboro, NH
- Elizabeth Graf, Ft. Lauderdale Heart & Rhythm Surgery Center in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
- Rita Hartman, North Shore Gastroenterology & Endoscopy Center in Westlake, OH
- Julie Hauk, ClearSky Rehabilitation Hospital of Kenosha in Kenosha, WI
- Deborah Hunter, Bailey Square Surgery Center in Austin, TX
- Karol Iser, American Cancer Society Hope Lodge KC in Kansas City, MO
- Jennifer Levi, Alive Hospice in Nashville, TN
- Tahisha McLemore, Crescent Regional Hospital in Lancaster, TX
- Claudia Melendez, Newport Coast Surgical Institute in Newport Beach, CA
- Erica Murphy, Regional SurgiCenter in Moline, IL
- David Neal, Roseland Hospital in Chicago, IL
- Karla Ochoa, Alpha Male Plastic Surgery in New York, NY
- Natalie Powers, The University of Kansas Health System in Kansas City, KS
- Elaine Sherfy, Riverwalk Ambulatory Surgery Center in Bradenton, FL
- Ashley Swenson, HonorHealth in Phoenix, AZ
- Amy Taylor, Christus Physician Surgery Center in New Braunfels, TX
- Keitha Brown Zittle, Medquest-Novant Health Breast Center in Charlotte, NC
How to Vote
From now until October 4, everyone is encouraged to participate in voting for their favorite healthcare hero. The top eight finalists—four from the East Coast and four from the West Coast—will each receive prizes totaling $16,500, a testament to their outstanding contributions to patient care.
To vote and find out more about each finalist, just visit the designated contest website. Keep in mind that voting ends on October 4 at 11:59 p.m. EST, and each individual can cast only one vote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the HeroesFIRST Contest?
The HeroesFIRST Contest is a program by ImageFIRST that celebrates incredible healthcare professionals who have significantly improved patient care.
Who can be nominated?
Anyone who has shown exceptional dedication in caring for their patients can be nominated for the HeroesFIRST Contest.
When does the voting period close?
Voting for the HeroesFIRST Contest will close on October 4 at 11:59 p.m. EST.
How are the finalists chosen?
Finalists are selected from a pool of nominations based on their inspiring stories and the contributions they’ve made within their healthcare facilities.
What prizes are available?
The top eight heroes will receive a combined total of $16,500 in prizes, recognizing their remarkable commitment to enhancing the patient experience.