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Health Care Heroes®

This award honors individuals, institutions, professionals, students, volunteers, and programs that have made an extraordinary impact in the South Florida Health Care community. Recipients work in one of the following fields: bio-medical, community health, education, private practice, government, public service, or the news media.

Award Categories

This award recognizes the incredible dedication and achievements of South Florida's healthcare professionals, first responders, institutions, and volunteers. in the following categories:

  • Equitable Advisors Lifetime Achievement
  • Healthcare Professional
  • Nurse
  • Individual of Merit
  • Organization / Program
  • Biomedical
  • Youth Volunteer

Call for Nominations for our 26th Annual Healthcare Heroes Awards will open on October 1, 2024.  To download Nomination Forms and to view other important program details, tap here to visit the Healthcare Heroes Resource Hub

Equitable Advisors Lifetime Achievement Award

Recipients

  • Nelson L. Adams, III, MD, FACOG (2024)
  • Daniel Armstrong, Ph.D., Mailman Center for Child Development, UM Miller School of Medicine (2023)
  • Roberto C. Heros, Senior Vice President, Chief Medical Administrative Officer, Jackson Health System; Professor of Neurosurgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine (2022)
  • Charles L. Vogel (2019)
  • Mary Bartlett Bunge, PhD, University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine (2018)
  • Dr. Eugene R. Schiff, MD Leonard Miller Professor of Medicine; Director and Dr. Nasser Ibrahim Al-Rashid Chair of the Schiff Center for Liver Diseases; and Director of the Hepatology Research Laboratory UHealth-University of Miami Health System/University of Miami Miller School of Medicine (2017)
  • Thelma Vernell Anderson Gibson, President Emeritus, Theodore Roosevelt Gibson Memorial Fund, Thelma Gibson Health Initiative, Inc. (2016)
  • Col. Brodes Hartley Jr. (Ret.) President and CEO, Community Health of South Florida, Inc. (2015)
  • Bernard J. Fogel, MD, Dean Emeritus, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine (2014)
  • Michael S. Gordon, MD, PhD, Michael S. Gordon Center for Research in Medical Education UHealth/University of Miami Miller School of Medicine (2013)
  • Thomas J. Balkany, MD, FACS, FAAP, UHealth / University of Miami Miller School of Medicine (2012)
  • James Roderick Jude, M.D., Co-Inventor of CPR and Retired Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeon (2011)
  • W. Jarrard Goodwin, M.D., F.A.C.S., Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center/UMHC, University of Miami Health System/Miller School of Medicine (2010)
  • Barth A. Green, M.D., University of Miami Health System/University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine and The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis (2009)
  • Kathie Sigler, Ed.D., Miami Dade College Medical Center Campus (2008)
  • Evalina W. Bestman, Ph.D., New Horizons Community Mental Health Center, Inc. (2007)
  • John G. Clarkson, M.D., UM Miller School of Medicine (2006)
  • Gerard A. Kaiser, M.D., Jackson Health System (2005)
  • Jay W. Weiss (posthumously) (2004)
  • Leonard A. Wien, Sr., Mount Sinai Medical Center (2003)
  • Hubert L. Rosomoff, M.D., D.Med.Sc., F.A.A.P.M. (2002)
  • Rosebud Lightbourn Foster, Ph.D. (2001)
  • Pedro J. Greer, Jr., M.D. (2000)

Health Care Professional

Recipients

  • Nicholas Namias, MD, MBA, FACS, FCCM (2024)
  • Lilian Abbo, MD, FIDSA, Jackson Health System / UM Miller School of Medicine (2023)
  • Joseph Lamelas, MD, Chief, Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Miami Health System (2022)
  • Reynald Jean, MD, MPH, MSN, AGPCNP -BC, Director, Tuberculosis, Epidemiology, Disease Control, Clinical Laboratory Immunization Services & Public Health Preparedness, Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County (2019)
  • Rodrigo Vianna, MD, PhD, Miami Transplant Institute, UM/Jackson (2018)
  • Hansel Tookes III, MD, MPH Internal Medicine Resident, Jackson Memorial Hospital, Jackson Health System (2017)
  • Lillian Rivera, RN, MSN, PhD, Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County (2016)
  • Dr. Eduardo H. Bancalari, MD, Jackson Memorial Hospital/University of Miami Miller School of Medicine (2015)
  • Tina Carroll-Scott, MD, Medical Director, South Miami Children’s Clinic (2014)
  • Erin Kobetz-Kerman, PhD, MPH, Jay Weiss Institute for Health Equity at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, UHealth/University of Miami Miller School of Medicine (2013)
  • Cathy Herring, CTRS, Jackson Rehabilitation Hospital (2012)
  • G. Patricia Cantwell, M.D., Holtz Children’s Hospital and University of Miami Miller School of Medicine (2011)
  • Athena C. Pefkarou, M.D., Miami Children’s Hospital and UOTS Cancer Camp (2010)
  • Judy Schaechter, M.D., University of Miami Health System/Miller School of Medicine (2009)
  • Fatima Zafar, M.D., Jessie Trice Community Health Center, Inc (2008)
  • Si Mai Pham, M.D., UM/Jackson Memorial Medical Center (2007)
  • Daniella David, M.D., Miami VA Healthcare System (2006)
  • Janvier Gasana, M.D., Ph.D., Florida International University (2005)
  • Moises Simpser, M.D., Miami Children’s Hospital (2004)
  • Robert Schwartz, M.D., UM School of Medicine (2003)
  • Barbara Russell, R.N., Baptist Hospital of Miami (2002)
  • Deise C. Granado-Villar, M.D., Miami Children’s Hospital (2002)
  • George Battle, M.D., Private Practice (2001)
  • Walter Livingstone, Miami-Dade Health Department (2001)
  • John Hall Bowker, M.D., UM School of Medicine (2000)
  • Walter F. Lambert, M.D., UM Children Protection Team (2000)
  • Arnon Krongrad, M.D., Veterans Affairs Medical Center (1999) (1999)
  • Carolina Calderin, Pan American Hospital Health Network (1999) (1999)
  • Theodore I. Malinin, M.D., UM School of Medicine Tissue Bank (1998) (1998)
  • Ira C. Clark, Public Health Trust (1998) (1998)

Nurse

Recipients

  • Elizabeth Joseph, APRN-BC, MPH (2024)
  • FIU Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences (2023)
  • Bridget Pelaez MA, BSN, RN, EMT-P, CEM®, Assistant Director, Division of Operations and Safety, Florida International University (2022)
  • Linda Washington-Brown, PhD, EJD, APRN-C, MSN, FAANP, Miami Rescue Mission (2019)
  • Rose Anderson, MSN, ARNP, Camillus House - Project Lazarus (2018)
  • Jackie Gonzalez, DNP, ARNP, MBA, NEA-BC, FAAN Chief Nursing Officer, Nicklaus Children's Hospital (2017)
  • Beverlin Allen, PhD, ARNP, Sister Emmanuel Hospital (2016)
  • Kimberly Juanico, RN, BSN, CHPPN, Jackson Health System (2015)
  • Shakira Henderson PhD(c), DNP(c), MS, MPH, MSN, RNC-NIC, IBCLC, Nurse Scientist, Baptist Health South Florida - South Miami Hospital (2014)
  • Nancy Auster, RN, BSN, CHPN, VITAS Innovative Hospice Care (2013)
  • A. Kris Kist, RN, South Miami Hospital, Baptist Health South Florida (2012)
  • Ann-Lynn Denker, Ph.D., A.R.N.P., Jackson Health System (2011)
  • Annette R. Gibson, M.S.N, ME.d, R.N., Miami Dade College Medical Center Campus (2010)
  • Carrie Feinroth, R.N., M.S.N., Holtz Children’s Hospital, Jackson Health System (2009)
  • D. Jane Mass, RN, MSN, CNAA, Jackson Health System (2008)
  • Dorothy J. Thomas, RN, BSN, CIC, Miami Children’s Hospital (2007)
  • Nilda P. Peragallo, Dr. P.H., R.N., F.A.A.N., UM School of Nursing and Health Studies (2006)
  • Connie Barden, RN, MSN, CCRN, CCNS, Mercy Hospital (2005)
  • Frances Aronovitz, RN, Ph.D., MDC School of Nursing (2004)
  • Tami Thomas, PhD, RN, APRN-CPNP, FAANP, FAAN, (1997)

Individual of Merit

Recipients

  • Jayne Sylvester Malfitano (2024)
  • Bridget Lisa McKinney, Professionals Sharing with a Purpose and Scott Lake Elementary (2023)
  • Tiffany Field, PhD, Director, Touch Research Institute; Professor of Pediatrics Psychology and Psychiatry, University of Miami Health System (2022)
  • Michael Fux, Philanthropist, Vice Chair, Board of Directors, Nicklaus Children's Health System (2019)
  • John A. Rock, MD, Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine (2018)
  • Linda S. Quick; President; Quick Bernstein Connections Group (2017)
  • Juan Manfredi, Holtz Children's Hospital Jackson Health System (2016)
  • Fred Lippman, RPh, EdD, Nova Southeastern University’s Health Professions Division (2015)
  • Carlos A. Migoya, President & CEO, Jackson Health System (2014)
  • Sonia Perez, Angel’s Pediatric Heart House (2013)
  • Pete Gutierrez, MD, MMS, PA-C, Miami Dade College Medical Center Campus (2012)
  • Marc A. Buoniconti, The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis/University of Miami Health System and ()
  • The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis (2011)
  • Constance Collins Margulies, The Sundari Foundation, Inc. (2010)
  • Lawrence S. Forman, Comprehensive Rehabilitation Consultants and Children’s Rehab Network (2009)
  • Paul R. Ahr, Ph.D., Camillus House (2008)
  • Thelma V. Anderson Gibson, Theodore R. Gibson Memorial Fund, Inc. (2007)
  • Judge Steven Leifman, Miami-Dade County Court 11th Judicial Circuit of Florida (2006)
  • Paul G. Hale, Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation (2005)
  • Marisel Losa, St. John Bosco Clinic (2004)
  • “Grandma” Patty Wilson, Jackson Memorial Hospital (2004)
  • Thomas C. Doherty, Miami Veterans Affairs Med. Ctr. (2003)
  • Mayra R. Lichter & Cecile Sardo, Creutzfeldt-Jakob Foundation (2003)
  • Ambassador David M. Walters, Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation (2002)
  • Kevin Packman, Esq., ALS Recovery Foundation (2002)
  • David Lawrence, Jr., The Early Childhood Initiative Foundation (2001)
  • Ady Viera, Mercy Hospital (2001)
  • Lois B. Pope, Leaders in Furthering Education (2000)
  • Annie Taylor, Cedars Medical Center (2000)
  • John H. O’Neil, Jr., Health Foundation of South Florida (1999) (1999)
  • Irving Cypen, Miami Jewish Home & Hospital for the Aged (1999) (1999)
  • Bessie Garrett, Miami VA Medical Center (1998) (1998)
  • The Student Body, UM School of Medicine (1998) (1998)

Organization/Program

Recipients

  • Baby Steps: Nurse Led Transition of Care for NICU Infants and Caregivers (2024)
  • Miami Transplant Institute, Jackson Health System/University of Miami Health System (2023)
  • Florida PACE Centers, Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly Miami Jewish Health (2022)
  • Roxcy Bolton Rape Treatment Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital (2019)
  • Jackson Health System (2018)
  • School of Podiatric Medicine; Community Outreach Program to Miami Rescue Mission, Broward Outreach Centers at Barry University (2017)
  • The University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Burn Center (2016)
  • Chapman Partnership’s Miami Hope Clinic (2015)
  • Miami Children’s Hospital Intensive Care Units (2014)
  • PATCHES (Pediatric Alternative Treatment, Care, Housing & Evaluation Services) (2013)
  • Angel Flight Southeast (2012)
  • Health Foundation of South Florida (2011)
  • Miami-Dade County Health Department (2010)
  • Ryder Trauma Center, University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Medical Center (2009)
  • Miami Beach Community Health Center, Inc. (2008)
  • Mitchell Wolfson, Sr. DOCS Program, UM Miller School of Medicine (2007)
  • Jackson Health System Primary Care Initiative (2006)
  • Baptist Health Expands Charity Care Program (2005)
  • Community Health of South Dade, Inc. (2004)
  • Pediatric Intensive Care Unit-Holtz Children’s Hosp. (2003)
  • Miami Jewish Home and Hospital for the Aged (2002)
  • HSC’s Comprehensive Health Outreach Program (2002)
  • Miami Children’s Hospital (2001)
  • University of Miami/R.R. Moton Health Center (2001)
  • San Juan Bosco Clinic (2000)
  • Maternal/Child Case Management Program (2000)
  • Good News Care Center (1999) (1999)
  • Camillus Health Concern (1999) (1999)
  • Visiting Nurse Association (1998) (1998)
  • Pediatric Mobile Clinic (1998) (1998)

Biomedical

Recipients

  • H. Thomas Temple, MD; Senior VP for Translational Research and Economic Development; Professor, Orthopaedic Surgery; Nova Southeastern University (2017)
  • Elizabeth J. Franzmann, MD, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center (2016)
  • Richard Cote, MD, UHealth - University of Miami Miller School of Medicine (2015)
  • Mary Bartlett Bunge, PhD, Christine E Lynn Distinguished Professor of Neuroscience, Professor, of Cell Biology, Neurological Surgery and Neurology, UHealth - University of Miami Miller School of Medicine (2014)
  • Joshua M. Hare, MD, FACC, FAHA, Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, UHealth/University of Miami Miller School of Medicine (2013)
  • Anuradha Godavarty, Ph.D., Florida International University (2012)
  • Ronald DeMeo, M.D., M.B.A., Meridian Spine & Interventional Pain Medicine (2011)
  • Norma Sue Kenyon, Ph.D., University of Miami Health System/Miller School of Medicine (2010)
  • William P. Murphy, Jr., M.D., Founder and Former Chairman, Cordis Corporation (2009)
  • Leonard Pinchuk, Ph.D., D.Sc., Innovia LLC and Affiliates (2008)
  • Mel Rothberg, Rothberg Associates, Inc. (2007)
  • Camillo Ricordi, M.D., UM Miller School of Medicine (2006)
  • Neil Flanzraich, IVAX Corporation (2005)

Youth Volunteer

a $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to the winner of the category

Recipients

  • Aiden Barreras (2024)
  • Ana Pujol (2024)
  • Shawn Martinez, AVUS Connect & Belen Jesuit Preparatory School (2023)
  • Justice Garcia, Alum American Senior High School (2022)
  • Isabella Allen (2019)
  • Martiza Allen-Brown, American Red Cross; and, Coral Reef Senior High School (2018)
  • Megan Zou; Student Volunteer and Founder of Charitable Gallery, Nicklaus Children's Hospital; Student, Ransom Everglades High School (2017)
  • Lilyveth Mesa, Student, Miami Springs Senior High (2016)
  • Dimitri A. Godur, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine (2015)
  • Sima Vazquez, Student, Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart (2014)
  • Cesar Castillo, Miami Springs Senior High School, Medical Hawks Club, HOSA (2013)
  • Jamie Henschel, National Psoriasis Foundation (2012)
  • Diamond Sims, Student, Miami Central Senior High School (2011)
  • Samantha DePriest-Capparelli, Coral Reef Senior High School (2010)
  • Stephannie Berrios, Miami Springs Senior High School (2009)
  • Michelle Wu, youth volunteer, Mercy Hospital (2008)
  • Elsa Cassandra Santillana, VITAS Innovative Hospice Care (2007)
  • Sarah S. Shafi, Miami Beach Senior High (2006)
  • Patrick Jean Baptiste, BEAM Academy NMB High (2005)
  • Harley Gould, Cleveland Clinic Florida (2005)
  • Marre Smith, NMB High; Uzma Gulamali, Coral Gables High (2004)
  • Carlos Larcada, Belen Jesuit Preparatory School (2003)
  • Tina Fregeolle, MAST Academy (2002)
  • Kyle T. Amber, Palmetto Middle School, (2001)
  • Fahim Siddiqui, South Miami Senior High School (2000)
  • Heather J.Wilson, college student (1999) (1999)

First Responders

Recipients

  • Willie Williams (2024)
  • Robbie Meek, EMT, CDR Health Care, Inc. (2023)
  • Keith Tyson, Florida State Director, 2009-Present; Vice President, Education Research and Outreach; 2013-2021 Firefighter Cancer Support Network (2022)
  • Mario Gonzalez, Firefighter/Peer Support & Chaplaincy Coordinator, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (2019)
  • Julio Puentes, Firefighter/Parademic, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Department (2018)

Past Honorees

Recipients

  • Pedro J. Greer, Jr., M.D. ()
  • Overtown Community Health Center (Leonard Turkel) ()
  • Baptist Hospital ()
  • Miami Project to Cure Paralysis ()
  • Jose Cancela (Chairman, Public Health Trust) ()
  • Lourdes Aguila (Director, La Liga Contra El Cancer) ()
  • Bernard Fogel, M.D. ()
  • Daniel Seckinger, M.D. ()
  • Wayne Brackin ()
  • Rev. Hugh Westbrook ()