Frist Humanitarian and Excellence in Nursing Awards named at HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital
Hernando County, FL — Brooksville primary care physician Tiffany Simon, DO has been caring for people since completing her residency at HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital. In addition to seeing patients in her primary care practice, she is the Program Director of the Family Medicine Residency at Oak Hill Hospital where she leads clinical training for family medicine doctors-in-training. Dr. Simon was recently recognized for her volunteer work outside the family practice clinic in addition to her clinical expertise, patient advocacy, compassionate care and leadership.
"During her time at Oak Hill Hospital, Dr. Simon has led multiple international and local mission projects to the medically underserved," said emergency medicine physician Anthony Furiato, DO. “She champions this concept of giving back during residency training, enlightening and empowering the next generation of physicians to do the same.”
Because of her volunteer service, Dr. Simon was recently named as Oak Hill Hospital’s Frist Humanitarian Physician Award recipient The award is named after Dr. Thomas Frist, a founder of HCA, who supported many philanthropic organizations and believed in the values of kindness, thankfulness and giving. The award recognizes those who dedicate their lives to the care of others.
Receiving the Frist Humanitarian Colleague Award was Susan Leavy, Director of Medical Staff Services. In her more than 40 years of service at Oak Hill Hospital, Levy has been the driving force of many volunteer efforts to benefit fellow hospital colleagues as well as non-profit community organizations.
"I have witnessed Susan head up more charitable causes than one can imagine — and she does it without seeking any kinds of accolades, but out of the genuine kindness of her heart and often in the wee hours of the morning,” said Chief Medical Officer David Slovut, MD, PhD. “Susan’s philanthropy is infectious, and unites our hospital staff. She spearheads several of our annual community outreach events including food, clothing, school supply drives, Easter basket and Angel Tree donations to help some children be prepared for school, and for others, preserve the magic of the holidays.”
In addition to the Frist Awards, two Oak Hill Hospital nurses were recognized for Excellence in Nursing in two categories, Compassionate Care and Professional Mentoring.
Chrissy Fulmore, RN, was honored with the Excellence in Nursing — Compassionate Care honors. As the clinical nurse coordinator in the ICU, Fulmore sets the bar for compassionate care in the ICU that extends past her patients, say her supervisors.
"Chrissy is an outstanding nurse who always goes above and beyond for her patients and her team members. When anyone is in need, Chrissy always steps up first to organize fundraisers to help. Recently she organized a fundraiser to benefit a team member with advanced stage cancer. She donated her time and resources to ensure this fundraiser was successful,” said Intensive Care Unit (ICU) director Heidi Yager, RN. “In fact, Chrissy has organized many events throughout her tenure to benefit others at their lowest times. Oak Hill Hospital and its ICU would not be the same without Chrissy's unwavering empathy for others."
Dakota Gorman, RN was recognized for Excellence in Nursing — Professional Mentoring for his work coaching and teaching new nurses in the Operating Room (OR).
"Dakota is a highly skilled OR nurse who consistently provides a wonderful experience to our patients in the OR . Over the past six months, Dakota has dedicated himself to providing mentorship for our new OR nurses,” said OR manager Susan Wright, RN. “The nurses he has mentored and precepted exhibit exceptional skills. His impact is exponential for the OR and is demonstrated in comments received from patients, physicians and fellow caregivers."
Congratulations to these four award winners who exemplify the spirit of excellence!