Charlotte Business Journal’s Health Care Heroes Awards Honors Three CaroMont Health Employees
Photos courtesy of Melissa Keys/CBJ
Local health professionals celebrated the best caregivers among them at the Charlotte Business Journal's sixth annual Health Care Heroes Awards, recognizing those who deliver healing in ways that are innovative, compassionate and deeply human.
The event, held Sept. 10 at The Westin Charlotte, elevated those who work tirelessly to care for others — bringing care to patients in their homes, their schools and even on the streets. CaroMont Health is proud to celebrate three extraordinary women who were recognized at this year's event.
Carolyn Glover, RN
Healthcare Volunteer, Winner
Longtime CaroMont Health nurse, nurse educator and volunteer Carolyn Glover was recognized as the region's top healthcare volunteer. Glover began her nursing career at CaroMont Health in 1956, rising to become director of nursing. She spent 30 years teaching hundreds of nurses and shaping their careers. Today, in retirement, she continues to volunteer at CaroMont Health’s flagship hospital in Gastonia, warmly greeting patients and visitors.
"High tech does not replace high touch," Glover said to applause from the audience. "I'm so grateful to deliver high touch to the CaroMont Cancer Center patients, whether it's a bottled water, a warm blanket or a listening ear. I am so blessed to be able to do that in my life at this age."
Janice Hill, PhD, RN, NE-BC
Healthcare Innovator/Researcher, Winner
Janice Hill was honored for building a program that connects aspiring nurses — whether in high school or already working at CaroMont Health in another capacity — and guides them toward careers in nursing.
"We are training people in our community to care for our community," said Hill, CaroMont Health's director of nursing workforce transition.
Dr. Shiddhi Patel
Best Physician, Finalist
Dr. Shiddhi Patel, a hospitalist, assistant medical director and the first woman to serve as chief of staff in CaroMont Health's history, was named a finalist in the Best Physician category. Patel is known for the depth of care she brings to every patient encounter — the kind of physician whose presence patients and families carry with them long after they leave her care.
“I chose healthcare because of the relationships,” said Dr. Patel, “the ones you build in the most ordinary moments and the ones forged in the most extraordinary ones. Medicine gives you the profound privilege of being present at the moments that change people's lives forever, and I have never lost sight of how sacred that is.”
Their stories are different, but their dedication to the people they serve is the same, further reflecting the deep respect they have earned among their colleagues, their patients and the profession itself.
"CaroMont Health is incredibly proud of Carolyn, Janice and Dr. Patel, not just for this recognition, but for the example they set every day," said Danny Wharton, executive vice president and chief operating officer at CaroMont Health. "Each of them represents what makes this organization special: an unwavering commitment to the people in our community. They remind us of the human element and personal touch that is vital to the care we provide every individual who looks to us for care."
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