Hartford Business Journal

HEALTHCARE HEROES | 2025 AWARDS HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | OCTOBER 6, 2025 B11 Winner Category | Physician Dr. Alyse B. Sicklick Medical Director, Inpatient Rehabilitation Gaylord Specialty Healthcare D r. Alyse Sicklick is a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician and an expert in brain injury and stroke rehabilitation. She developed Gaylord's acquired brain injury program and leads multidisci- plinary inpatient and outpatient teams to help patients and their families navi- gate the complex medical, emotional and logistical challenges. Her singular focus is to help individ- uals regain their independence and function to the fullest extent possible so they can move forward with purpose. What have been your significant contribu- tions to your organization in the past year? Over the past year, I have focused on expanding opportunities for patients and trainees. I developed the brain injury rota- tion for Connecticut's first physical medi- cine and rehabilitation program, shaping curriculum and teaching future physiatrists. I coordinate the StrokeNet collabora- tions with Yale and Hartford HealthCare, advancing research that directly informs patient care. I also advocated for the addition of a facility dog to support our patients' recoveries. Tell us about a challenge in your job that you were able to overcome. A major challenge has been navigating insurance changes and ensuring stroke and brain injury patients have access to the ongoing care that will benefit them long-term. I focus on advocating and fighting for what I know is appropriate, evidence-based care. It is a challenge that I take very seri- ously, and it is one of the greatest passions of my career. What's your next major goal and/or challenge? As the prospect of retirement becomes more of a reality in the not-too-distant future, my next major goal is to build a strong team to carry the program forward. A key challenge is navigating post- acute care limitations imposed by payers. Ensuring patients receive the specialized support they need for ongoing recovery is critical. Saving lives isn't enough; we must guide and optimize each patient's progress with the right experts every step of the way. Winner Category | Physician Dr. William Rabitaille Chief, Primary Care, Trinity Health Of New England Medical Group Chair, Department of Medicine, St. Francis Hospital Lead Physician for Safety Net Clinics, St. Francis Hospital D r. William Rabitaille, FACP, over- sees 10 primary care practices throughout the region, manages the department of medicine at St. Francis Hospital and directs three safety net clinics in Hartford. He focuses on ensuring patients receive the same quality of care regardless of which location they visit. He strives to provide high-quality care to underserved populations and see every practice serve as a transformative, healing presence in the community. What have been your significant contributions to your organization in the past year? Trinity Health implemented a new electronic medical record system across the region and I oversaw that transition for more than 100 primary care providers. We recently achieved a blood pressure control rate of 80.4% for patients seen by our primary care team, meaning we are effectively managing hypertension for these patients and helping prevent serious health events. I collaborate with our community health and well-being team to reduce health disparities. We deploy commu- nity health workers in our local commu- nity to provide outreach and education to our most underserved patients. Tell us about a challenge in your job that you were able to overcome. In November 2024, Trinity Health implemented a new version of Epic electronic medical records for its practices. is undertaking required data transfer, staff training and culture change management. Our primary service line transitioned smoothly and effectively. What's your next major goal? As new chair of the department of medicine at St. Francis Hospital, my goal is to engage with the community and learn how the hospital can best meet the needs of Hartford and its surrounding areas by providing high- quality, patient-centered care.

• Cover