Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1511997
wbjournal.com | November 27, 2023 | Worcester Business Journal 11 FOCUS C H A M P I O N S O F H E A LT H C A R E Being a difference maker N early two decades have passed since WBJ created an awards specifically for healthcare professionals. Today, though, such an honor feels more important than ever. e last three years have been nothing short of harrowing, as the COVID pan- demic tore through the global popula- tion, leaving in its wake strained hospital finances, burnt out providers, and – in some cases – distrust in the entire medical field. Yet, despite these ramifica- tions, the healthcare system largely came through when we needed it most, deliv- ering vaccines, providing assurances, and reaching out to at-risk populations in the most difficult circumstances. More than just the pandemic, the healthcare industry is full of people who've been going above and beyond for centuries. Even without COVID on everyone's mind, the opioid crisis still is sidelining entire communities, rising inequities are creating two different care systems, and less-attention-grabbing diseases – ranging from cancer to con- genital cytomegalovirus – are wreaking havoc on individual patients' lives. With all the headwinds professionals in the industry face, WBJ wanted to start a new honor highlighting the very best who are struggling and succeeding in this high-profile industry: a doctor who has fought infectious disease for decades; another doctor who volunteered to help refugees from the War in Ukraine; a nurse helping teenagers in mental health crisis, a support staff who revolutionized the way patients and providers commu- nicate; the administrator who ensures patients' basic needs are met. ese are just a handful of the dozen stories you'll read on the following pages about the people who make up WBJ's inaugural Champions of Health Care class. Beyond the amazing individuals whose stories we get to tell, the health- care industry is one of the most vital to the Central Massachusetts economy. It is the largest industry by employment and includes the region's largest employer: UMass Memorial Health in Worcester, with its 16,000+ employees. Healthcare courses make up key curriculum at every Central Massachusetts college and university, the region's manufacturing industry is flush with medical device makers, and the burgeoning life sciences industry is inextricably tied to the healthcare needs of the population. e industry is everywhere. In addition to honoring the 12 Cham- pions of Health Care in this edition, WBJ will have an awards ceremony at our annual Health Care Forum on Dec. 13 at the College of the Holy Cross. e forum will include an open and honest panel discussion about the status of the healthcare industry and where we go from here. ere will certainly be plenty to talk about, but most importantly, we get to talk about the best of the best making a difference in Central Massa- chusetts health care. – Brad Kane, editor Physicians of the Year • Dr. Richard Ellison, UMass Memorial Medical Center - Page 12 • Dr. Stephanie Bodor, Main Street Pediatrics - Page 13 Career Achievement Award • Paula Green, Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center - Page 14 Healthcare Innovator of the Year • Dr. Laura Gibson, UMass Chan Medical School - Page 16 Healthcare Leader - Advocacy • Oanh Nguyen, Family Health Center of Worcester - Page 17 Healthcare Leader - Professional Services • Matthew Hutt, AAFCPAs - Page 18 Healthcare Leader - Administration • Milka Njoroge, Century Homecare - Page 20 Healthcare Educator of the Year • Pat Schmohl, Quinsigamond Community College - Page 21 Mental Health Providers of the Year • Susan Dufresne, Autism Allies Inc. - Page 23 • Dr. Sarah Langenfeld, Open Sky Community Services - Page 27 Nurse of the Year • Courtney Letourneau, UMass Memorial Health - Page 24 Healthcare Leader - Patient Support • Connie Camelo, UMass Memorial Health - Page 26 H Dr. Richard Ellison Dr. Stephanie Bodor Paula Green Dr. Laura Gibson Oanh Nguyen Matthew Hutt Milka Njoroge Pat Schmohl Susan Dufresne Dr. Sarah Langenfeld Courtney Letourneau Connie Camelo