Stony Brook University
09/30/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 09/30/2024 08:35
Gomes, Santora Honored with 2024 HERALD Excellence in Healthcare Awards
Two members of the Stony Brook University Hospital leadership team - Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer Carol Gomes and Chief Nursing Officer and Chief Regulatory Officer Carolyn Santora - received 2024 HERALD Excellence in Healthcare Awards at the third annual awards ceremony September 18 at the Heritage Club in Bethpage.
The awards recognize healthcare professionals for their impact in the Long Island community, unrivaled research and innovative programs and services, and honor individuals whose dedication and commitment has made a difference in the health and well-being of others.
Honorees for the HERALD Excellence in Healthcare Award are chosen by committee based on their strength and passion to champion and lead both their organization and their community.
Carol GomesGomes, who earned two master's degrees from Stony Brook University, has worked in the healthcare field for over 30 years, and teaches for the School of Health Professions. She holds various certifications, including Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives.
She has received numerous leadership awards including a Long Island Business News Healthcare Heroes Award, the Master Award from the American Society of Clinical Pathology, and Stony Brook Council Medal of Excellence. Gomes currently serves as Board Chair of the Nassau-Suffolk Hospital Council and has held leadership roles on the Stony Brook University Alumni Association Board.
In a Q&A with the HERALD, Gomes said that there are many achievements that make her proud to be part of the Stony Brook Medicine family. "We continue to lead the way in our region and the country, with recognition for sustainability efforts, quality and patient safety outcomes and health equity. In the past year, Stony Brook Medicine has strengthened efforts to develop bonds within the community to foster health equity and address patient needs to support a healthier patient population."
Carolyn SantoraSantora earned her master's degree in critical care nursing at Stony Brook and is dually trained as a nurse practitioner in critical care and a clinical nurse specialist. She has held progressive management positions at SBUH and in July 2020 was permanently appointed Chief Nursing Officer and Chief Regulatory officer.
One of the founding hospital staff members - she began in 1979 as a clinician in the first surgery unit - Santora is nationally known for her expertise in emergency department overcrowding and has published on the same. She holds ANCC certification as a nurse executive, advanced certification as a professional in healthcare quality, and is a specialist in hospital accreditation.
Santora said her greatest inspiration comes from the nurses who touch patients every day and every hour. "These crucial members of the healthcare team utilize their skills, their knowledge and their compassion to make a difference in the lives of others."
Also honored was Michelle Ballan, professor and associate dean for research in the Stony Brook School of Social Welfare, who was recognized for her research, teaching and service dedicated to individuals with disabilities and their families.