On April 9, 2026, ten remarkable individuals and teams from Penn State Health and Penn State College of Medicine were celebrated as Health Care Heroes by Central Penn Business Journal (CPBJ). This event highlighted their incredible contributions to the local healthcare scene.
The Health Care Heroes awards aim to spotlight excellence, innovation, and community impact in healthcare. They recognize those making a real difference in central Pennsylvania’s health landscape.
Here’s a look at the award winners:
Advancements and Innovation
- Erika Swift, Penn State College of Medicine
- Trauma Surgery Unit, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
Allied Health Hero
- Penn State Health Child Life and Integrative Therapies
Community Outreach and Education Hero
- Katie Savory, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
Lifetime Achievement
- Pamela Smith, Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital
Management
- Eunice Maingi, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
- Joseph Wysock III, Penn State Health
Nurse of the Year
- Cassie Appleby, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
- Ellen Guido, BSN RN CEN SANE-A, Penn State Health Hampden Medical Center
- Maria Kelly, Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital
The recognition goes beyond just awards. According to a 2023 survey from the American Hospital Association, 64% of healthcare professionals believe that awards and recognition foster a culture of excellence in their organizations. Events like CPBJ’s Health Care Heroes awards help boost morale and encourage ongoing progress in healthcare.
Many honorees reported feeling motivated not just by the awards, but by the support of their colleagues and communities. Social media reactions have also been overwhelmingly positive, with many sharing congratulations and stories about how these heroes have made an impact in their lives. For instance, the hashtag #HealthcareHeroes2026 trended shortly after the event, reflecting the community’s appreciation.
To see the full list of honorees, you can check it out here.
