By Vanessa Vasquez, Editor-in-Chief
The Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Excellence in Healthcare Awards on November 21, 2024, at the Global Event Center in downtown Fort Lauderdale. This prestigious event brought together over 120 healthcare professionals, business leaders, and community members to celebrate the remarkable achievements and contributions of individuals and organizations in the healthcare sector.
With UHealth as the presenting sponsor and Dan Lindblade, CAE, President, and CEO of the Chamber, serving as the emcee, the event highlighted the innovation, dedication, and impact of healthcare professionals across South Florida.
Recognizing Excellence in Healthcare
The Steering Committee’s Role
The 2024 Healthcare Awards were thoughtfully organized by a Steering Committee chaired by Kathryn Salerno of Broward Health. This committee undertook the challenging task of identifying and honoring the best in healthcare, ensuring a fair and comprehensive selection process.
The awards spotlighted a range of categories, from lifetime achievements to groundbreaking collaborations, underscoring the diversity of contributions within the healthcare field.
Award Recipients
Lifetime Achievement Award
- Awardee: Charles Felix, CPA – Co-Publisher and Owner of South Florida Hospital News and Healthcare Report
- About the Honoree:
Charles Felix was honored for his enduring contributions to healthcare journalism and his commitment to informing the South Florida healthcare community. As a co-publisher and owner of the South Florida Hospital News and Healthcare Report, Felix has been a cornerstone of healthcare communication, providing valuable insights and fostering dialogue among professionals.
Outstanding Healthcare Executive
- Recipient: Dr. Jennifer Goldman – Memorial Healthcare System
- About the Honoree:
Dr. Goldman has demonstrated exceptional leadership at Memorial Healthcare System, driving advancements in patient care and organizational efficiency. Her strategic vision and ability to inspire her team have set her apart as a standout executive in the healthcare industry.
Outstanding Healthcare Practitioners
- Recipient: Thomas Dalton – Vitas Health
- Recipient: Dr. Nancy Dobrolet – Nicklaus Children’s Health System
- About the Honorees:
Thomas Dalton and Dr. Nancy Dobrolet were recognized for their unwavering dedication to patient care. Dalton’s compassionate work at Vitas Health and Dr. Dobrolet’s expertise at Nicklaus Children’s Health System have profoundly impacted the lives of countless patients and their families.
Honoring Courage and Innovation
Guts and Grit Award
- Recipients:
- Dr. Ivette Motola – The Gordon Center for Simulation and Innovation, University of Miami
- Aisha Subhani, DO – Cleveland Clinic
- About the Honorees:
The Guts and Grit Award honors individuals who exhibit extraordinary resilience and determination in healthcare. Dr. Ivette Motola’s innovative work at the Gordon Center for Simulation and Innovation has advanced medical training, while Dr. Aisha Subhani’s commitment to excellence at the Cleveland Clinic showcases her steadfast dedication to patient care.
Achievement in Innovation
- Recipient: Community Health HUB – Memorial Healthcare System
- About the Honoree:
The Community Health HUB was celebrated for its groundbreaking approach to improving healthcare access and outcomes. By leveraging innovative strategies, the HUB has made significant strides in addressing health disparities and ensuring comprehensive care for underserved populations.
Promoting Collaboration and Community Impact
Community Catalyst Award
- Recipient: South Florida Wellness Network
- About the Honoree:
The South Florida Wellness Network was recognized for its transformative role in community health. Through education, advocacy, and support programs, the organization has empowered individuals to take charge of their mental and physical well-being.
Outstanding Healthcare Collaboration
- Recipient: Broward Health and Community Care Plan
- About the Honorees:
This award acknowledged the successful partnership between Broward Health and Community Care Plan, which has set a new standard for collaborative healthcare delivery. By working together, these organizations have improved patient outcomes and created a model for effective healthcare partnerships.
Highlights from the Evening
The Excellence in Healthcare Awards provided an opportunity to celebrate South Florida’s healthcare heroes and reflect on the sector's progress. Attendees, including healthcare professionals, business leaders, and community advocates, shared stories of innovation and resilience.
The event’s emcee, Dan Lindblade, kept the evening lively and engaging, while the awards presentations showcased the breadth of talent and commitment within the region's healthcare community.
Why These Awards Matter
The healthcare sector plays a crucial role in the well-being of any community, and the Excellence in Healthcare Awards underscore the importance of recognizing and celebrating those who make a difference.
From practitioners providing life-saving care to executives driving systemic change, the honorees represent the best of healthcare. Their achievements inspire continued innovation and excellence across the industry.
Looking Ahead
As the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce wraps up another successful awards season, the healthcare community is left with a renewed sense of purpose and motivation. The stories of the award recipients serve as reminders of what can be accomplished through dedication, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence.
The 2024 Excellence in Healthcare Awards not only honored individual and organizational achievements but also reinforced the collective mission of creating a healthier, stronger South Florida.
Reference Source: South Florida Hospital News