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Penn State Health advanced practice providers recognized as inaugural APPs of the Year

Twelve Penn State Health advanced practice providers (APPs) were honored with the first APP of the Year awards on Sept. 27.

The awards were presented to individuals who demonstrate exceptional expertise and achievements in their field. Leaders of the Office of Advanced Practice and Penn State Health Medical Group selected the winners based on their innovation, mentorship, impact, collaboration, professionalism and advocacy.

Congratulations to the following winners:

Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center outpatient practices

Certified Nurse-Midwife of the Year
Jennifer Pagani-Smith, Women’s Health

Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner of the Year ─ Inpatient/Acute
Daniel Rodriguez, Psychiatry

Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner of the Year ─ Outpatient/Clinic
Hillarie Speziale, Psychiatry

Physician Assistant of the Year ─ Inpatient/Acute
Cameron Sweigart, Radiology

Physician Assistant of the Year ─ Outpatient/Clinic
Brooke Olenowski, Nephrology

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist of the Year
Alpha Kamara-Taylor, Anesthesiology

A large audience sits at round tables in a ballroom. They look to the right at the award presentation speaker.

Advanced practice providers listen as the honorees are announced.

Penn State Health Medical Group practices

Certified Nurse-Midwife of the Year
Rachel Rodemaker, Lancaster Medical Center OB-GYN

Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner of the Year ─ Inpatient/Acute
Tracee Rozum, Cardiac Surgery

Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner of the Year ─ Outpatient/Clinic
Lindsay Rinfrette, Penn State Health Medical Group ─ Duncannon, Family Medicine

Physician Assistant of the Year ─ Inpatient/Acute
Melissa Davis, Pulmonary Critical Care, Holy Spirit Medical Center

Physician Assistant of the Year ─ Outpatient/Clinic
Joanne Pears, Penn State Health Medical Group ─ White Rose, Primary Care

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist of the Year
Jason Sebelin, assistant chief, Anesthesiology

The winners received a Nittany Lion statue and an APP of the Year certificate.

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