This hybrid event will begin with a panel discussion about the latest trends in
health care. It will be followed by an awards ceremony recognizing people in the Health Care Industry. PBN’s Health Care Heroes Awards Program recognizes individuals and organizations in the healthcare field who excel in helping others, promoting innovation, or improving access to care.
Panelists:
Topics include:
- Making Hospitals Whole: Funding, Reimbursement, and Sustainability
- Primary Care Access Crisis
- Reaching underserved populations
- Continuing Education & Retaining Students
- Integrated Care & Behavioral Health
- Accountability & Long‑Term Strategy
2026 Health Care Heroes Honorees
CAREER ACHIEVER
- Dr. Phil Rizzuto, Rizzuto Eyelid and Facial Plastic Surgery
ADVANCEMENT IN HEALTH CARE PREVENTION
- Salve Regina University
HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATORS
- Morgan Leonard, Clinica Esperanza Hope Clinic executive director
- Elizabeth Russell, Saint Elizabeth Community administrator
MENTAL HEALTH PROVIDERS/ADVOCATES
- Diane Medeiros Gomes, Butler Hospital director of pharmacy
- Tara Scungio, URI Health Services psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner
NURSE PRACTIONER/PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT
- Kaitlin Collins, HopeHealth nurse practitioner
- Natasha Dow, PACE Organization of Rhode Island nurse practitioner
NURSES
- Terasa Antoch, Westerly Hospital nurse manager
- Shelley Grant, Bradley Hospital director of nursing – residential
- Barbara Lee Trout, CODAC director of health care services
PHYSICIANS
- Dr. Michael Lee, Care New England medical director of Kent Hospital at Home
- Leah McDonald, MD, HopeHealth physician
VOLUNTEERS
- Alexander “Alex” Chow, Rhode Island Hospital volunteer
- Billy Partain, New England Donor Services volunteer
- William Rapp, Brown University Health volunteer
Honorees will be recognized during PBN’s annual Health Care Summit on April 2 at 9 a.m. at the Providence Marriott Downtown. Honoree profiles will be published in a special section part of PBN’s April 10 print and digital editions.
Make our audience your audience!
In 2025, Providence Business News Events brought together 3,640 attendees, celebrated 270 honorees, and partnering with nearly 50 sponsoring and partnering companies—creating unmatched visibility and connections for organizations like yours.
Don’t miss the chance to showcase your brand and engage with Rhode Island’s top business leaders; for sponsorship, advertising, and exhibitor opportunities, contact 401.680.4800 or Advertising@PBN.com.
Sponsors
Presenting Sponsors:
Partner Sponsors:
