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Hershey Medical Center, College of Medicine employees and award recipients recognized for years of service

Leaders from Penn State Health, Hershey Medical Center and Penn State College of Medicine gathered on Sept. 14 to honor faculty and staff members who have achieved milestone years of service.

“Our teams exemplify a steadfast commitment to enhancing the well-being of our patients and visitors,” said McKenna. “Thanks to their efforts, we operate as a leading academic health system, prioritizing the delivery of equitable services, advanced research and evidence-based care.”

Service Year Awards 

The reception recognized 69 individuals for 25 years of service, 77 for 30 years of service, 27 for 35 years of service, five for 40 years of service and three for 45 years of service. Linda Kilhefner, who recently retired from her role as a patient care secretary, was recognized for 55 years of service. Donna Klinger, an operating room clinical nurse, and Patty Frazier, a transplant coordinator in Heart Failure Services, were celebrated for 50 years of service.

Steven and Sharon Baron Leadership Awards 

  • Faculty Award: April Armstrong, C. McCollister Evarts Professor and Chair of the Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, Penn State College of Medicine and Hershey Medical Center
  • Manager/Supervisor: Penny Devlin, Research Technologist, Comparative Medicine
  • Staff: Heather Stokes, Administrative Associate, Department of Security 

Employee of the Year Award

Mariam Abdul-Hamid, who has been a respiratory care practitioner at Hershey Medical Center since 2009, was recognized for her exceptional teaching skills, delivery of patient-specific care and implementation of evidence-based practices to identify areas for improvement. Her colleagues also highlight her thoughtful approach in addressing cultural differences and promoting sensitivity awareness.

Christine (Chris) Ewing Patient- and Family-Centered Care Award

  • Eric Thomas, Assistant Professor, Anesthesiology Perioperative Medicine 

Dean’s List

  • Rebecca Bascom, Pulmonary Medicine
  • Edward Bollard, General Internal Medicine
  • Allison Calderon, Nurse Practitioner, Cardiovascular Services
  • Charles Dye, Gastroenterology
  • Steven Ettinger, Vice President, Cardiovascular Services
  • Terrah Keck-Kester, General Pediatrics
  • Donald Mackay, Plastic Surgery
  • David Richard, Family and Community Medicine
  • Bryan Stefek, Penn State Health Children’s Heart Group
  • Robert Tunks, Penn State Health Children’s Heart Group
  • Lisa Wilhite, Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Pulmonary 

Excellence in Enhancing Diversity and Inclusion Awards

  • Jennifer Booth, Associate Professor, Comparative Medicine
  • Tiffany Whitcomb, Associate Professor, Comparative Medicine

Peak Performer Awards, Patient and Guest Experience

  • Adult Inpatient, Heart and Vascular Institute, Critical Care Unit
  • Pediatric Inpatient, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
  • Academic Outpatient, Heart and Vascular Institute Clinic, Nye’s Road

Rising Star Awards, Patient and Guest Experience

  • Adult Inpatient, 6th Floor, Medicine
  • Pediatric Inpatient, Pediatric Oncology
  • Academic Outpatient, Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Clinic

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