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HEALTHCARE HEROES B12 HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | NOVEMBER 13, 2023 WINNER CATEGORY Physician Dr. Jose M. Arias-Camison St. Francis Hospital, Trinity Health Of New England Medical Director, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit & Interim Chair of Pediatrics, St. Francis Pediatrics Dr. Jose Arias-Camison is the director of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at St. Francis Hospital. He is also the interim chair of pediatrics and oversees the care of all newborns at the three birthing hospi- tals within Trinity Health Of New England. What have been your significant contributions to your organization in the past year? In February, Zahraliz Angueira was born at 22 weeks, weighing 12.4 ounces. She was too small for our equipment, but we were able to put in a breathing tube and umbilical lines to support her for the first few weeks. Her condition was critical. Her eyes were fused, and her skin was translucent. She had severely immature lungs, which required months of intensive care. She had low blood pressure, renal failure and acute electrolyte imbalances. After 128 days in the NICU, Zahraliz went home with her mother and family. Everyone in the hospital came out to say goodbye. It was a very emotional day. Tell us about a challenge in your job that you were able to overcome. Families of critically ill newborns have life-changing experiences. Providers can also feel overwhelmed. We try not to get emotionally involved with our families, but it's very hard because we love our babies, and we care for their parents. We have heartbreaking experiences, but when miracles happen, it's extremely rewarding for my team. What's your next major goal and/or challenge? A continued major challenge is trying to find solutions to staff burnout and staffing challenges. A major goal is to be kinder to myself by focusing more on self-care. WINNER CATEGORY Urgent Care Barbara Pelletier UConn Health Physician Assistant Barbara Pelletier is a full-time physi- cian assistant who has been practicing since 1994. Her career has included family practice, urgent care, emergency medicine as well as a short time in occupational medicine. Currently, she splits her time between UConn Health's emergency department and UConn Health's urgent care. What have been your significant contribu- tions to your organization in the past year? Over the past three years, it has been extremely difficult and stressful with COVID in this line of medicine. Urgent care has been much busier, with patients coming in with more acute problems. This year I had a 60-year-old male patient arrive at urgent care with chest pain, and he ended up coding. I, without a doctor working, ran the staff through triaging the patient, including giving him medications, coaching CPR and shocking him prior to the ambulance arriving. He made it to the hospital safely, and I visited him the next day during my ER shift. I love what I do and give my patients my personal touch. I feel the human side of medicine can be lost sometimes. Any chance I can show my kindness, I do. I try to treat patients like one of my family members. I am especially good with my pediatric patients. Tell us about a challenge in your job that you were able to overcome. These past three years have been particularly challenging, as my dad and stepfather died suddenly, along with having to work on the front lines with COVID everywhere. This has tested all of us in health care beyond what we could have ever expected. I never expected to have to deal with a pandemic during the second half of my career. Most people slow down at the end of their careers, but not in emergency medicine. Protecting physicians & facilities since 1984 Integris Group provides the healthcare community with the highest quality insurance products, services, and business solutions. Coverages include: Our members have access to: • Comprehensive coverage • Exceptional customer service • Dividends and retirement savings program • Relevant risk management newsletters, resources, and personalized guidance • Extensive educational programs, including live events, webinars, and self-study courses Join the ranks of our strong — and growing — member community. Contact Michelle Barry at (860) 781-8466 or mbarry@integrisgrp.com. Visit integrisgrp.com Medical Professional Liability Insurance Medical Facility Liability Insurance