Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1529629
8 Worcester Business Journal | November 25, 2024 | wbjournal.com FOCUS H E A LT H C A R E Champions of Health Care N avigating 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 following pages, 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 jump onto WBJournal.com and register. – Brad Kane, editor Physicians of the Year • Dr. Erik Garcia, Benedict Family Medicine at UMass Memorial Medical Center-University Campus - Page 9 • Dr. Mireya Wessolossky, UMass Memorial Health - Page 29 Dentist of the Year • Chelsea Perry, Elite Dental Studio - Page 11 Healthcare Leader - Patient Support • Angela Rosado, Tatnuck Park at Worcester - Page 13 Healthcare Leader - Administration • Justin Precourt, UMass Memorial Health - Page 15 Mental Health Provider of the Year • Dr. Xuejing Li, Seven Hills Foundation - Page 17 First Responder of the Year • Eric Jack, Royalston and Athol fire departments - Page 19 Outstanding Healthcare Collaboration • Gretheline Bolandrina, Bay Path Practical Nursing Academy - Page 21 Healthcare Leader - Community Outreach • Sara Oliveira, Point32Health/Tufts Health Plan - Page 23 Outstanding Support Staff • Ivelisse Delgado, Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center - Page 25 Healthcare Professional of the Year • Madeline Lane, UMass Memorial Community Medical Group - Page 27 Healthcare Leader - Professional Services • Frederick Misilo, Fletcher Tilton - Page 31 Gretheline Bolandrina Eric Jack Ivelisse Delgado Angela Rosado Madeline Lane Justin Precourt Dr. Xuejing Li Dr. Erik Garcia Chelsea Perry Dr. Mireya Wessolossky Sara Oliveira Frederick Misilo W