USA Health team members recognized for exceptional patient care at A Night Honoring Healers
Hundreds of guests gathered to hear the remarkable stories of USA Health care teams in action as they provided care for patients.
By Carol McPhail
cmcphail@health.southalabama.edu
Almost 100 USA Health team members – from physicians, nurses and therapists to nutritionists and environmental services staff – were recognized for their compassionate and often life-changing care during A Night Honoring Healers, presented by the USA Foundation at the Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center on Thursday, Nov. 7.
Hundreds of guests gathered to hear the remarkable stories of USA Health care teams in action as they provided care for patients. During the program, each designated healer was recognized and received a medal.
“USA Health’s dedicated employees – more than 7,700 now – support our mission to help people lead longer, better lives,” said Owen Bailey, MSHA, FACHE, chief executive officer for USA Health and senior associate vice president for medical affairs. “They bring their expertise and their devotion to the job each and every day, where they continue to make a difference in the lives of our patients.”
In 2017, USA Health began formally recognizing its healthcare heroes, including those in the community who contribute to patient care. This year, two patient stories were shared.
The first video presentation focused on Timothy Carpenter of Mobile, who was diagnosed with acute systolic heart failure. While he was determined to be too sick for open heart surgery, he was given the option of undergoing a minimally invasive procedure known as a transcatheter aortic valve replacement at Providence Hospital.
“I credit them with saving my life,” Carpenter said from the stage. “I think we’ve got the best healthcare in the world in Mobile County.”
The second patient, Joie Hellmich of Pensacola, Florida, arrived at the emergency department in critical condition after a traumatic burn incident. She received specialized care during her seven-week stay at University Hospital’s Arnold Luterman Regional Burn Center, the only one of its kind in the region.
“The care our family received was beyond our wildest expectations. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts,” Meg Hellmich, Joie Hellmich’s stepmother, told the crowd.
“I am so grateful for all of our healers,” said John V. Marymont, M.D., MBA, dean of the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine and vice president for medical affairs. “Not only do they provide excellent care for patients, but they are teaching and mentoring the next generation of physicians and other providers, making sure that the cycle of excellence continues.”
