On the evening of October 24th, Southern New Hampshire Health came together to honor and celebrate the dedication and commitment of our medical assistants (MA). The event featured key leaders who delivered remarks acknowledging the exceptional work of those who make a significant difference in the lives of patients and providers. Among the distinguished speakers were Vice President of Quality, Safety, and Accreditation and Chief Quality Officer Rebecca Cooper-Piela, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Salvatore Vella, and Director of Ambulatory Clinical Services Julie Tuttle-Varney.
Dr. Vella expressed the importance of MAs in our health system, “The value of what medical assistants do cannot be understated. Each of our providers relies on their team in order to deliver great care to our community.”
Four Award Winners
The celebration featured four award categories, including recognition for primary and specialty care, an award for a medical assistant new to the profession who exemplifies the role, and a lifetime achievement award honoring a medical assistant who demonstrates exceptional commitment to both their profession and the organization.
The 2024 Excellence in Specialty Care Award was presented to Bella Belair, RMA of Foundation Cardiology. Bella’s nominators highlighted her delightful energy that brightens the room. She is always ready to help support her colleagues. As a proactive mentor, Bella guides new hires and apprentices through their workflow. Bella provides exceptional patient care, earning praise for her kindness, and her bilingual skills significantly enhance communication with Spanish-speaking patients.
The 2024 Excellence Award in Primary Care was presented to Danielle Pitman, MA of Primary Care of Hudson. Danielle is highly regarded by patients, colleagues, and providers for her exceptional work and support. She is seen as the "go-to" person, helping others improve while fostering a positive environment for both new and existing staff. Danielle’s expertise allows her to manage various responsibilities effectively, and she has streamlined processes to enhance patient experiences. Danielle is a unifying force within her team, earning widespread respect.
The 2024 Up and Coming Excellence Award was presented to Erin Beavers, CMA of Immediate Care of Hudson. Erin’s nominators highlight her as a positive and dependable presence on the unit. Always on time and ready for the day, she brings a “cheerful vibe” and makes patients feel at ease with her compassion. Erin proactively seeks to help others and responds to feedback with gratitude, quickly implementing suggestions. Eager to learn, she is currently enrolled in nursing school, and her support is invaluable to her colleagues.
The 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Kelly McKinnon, RMA of the clinical float pool. Kelly is a transformative leader embodying servant leadership values, blending confidence with a relaxed demeanor that puts others at ease. As a preceptor and mentor, Kelly shares her extensive knowledge with new hires and apprentices, supporting peers through assessments and education. Kelly’s diverse experience makes her a sought-after resource, and she has collaborated with the clinical team as an instructor during competency sessions. Kelly also led the internal audit process for vaccine management, showcasing her commitment to excellence. Her recent appointment as faculty at Nashua Community College further extends her influence on the future of the medical assistant workforce.
Thank you to all our medical assistants
Southern New Hampshire Health's Medical Assistants Recognition event not only celebrated the individual achievements of these outstanding MAs but also underscored the pivotal role that MAs play in the healthcare system. It served as a reminder that the work of these remarkable individuals extends beyond clinical tasks - it encompasses leadership, collaboration, clinical expertise, process improvement, and continuous personal and professional growth. The event was a tribute to those who exemplify Southern New Hampshire Health’s commitment to excellence in healthcare.
