October 23-27th was UPMC’s APPreciation Week, a celebration of our health system’s incredible advanced practice providers (APPs). APPs are highly trained and trusted medical professionals who work hand-in-hand with physicians to assess, diagnose, and treat patients, creating a seamless and exceptional environment of care. Our APPs include nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, and physician assistants, all of whom play pivotal roles in the delivery of high-quality patient care. We have over 700 APPs within our department and their impact is immense.
UPMC APPreciation Week 2023 was marked by a series of meaningful events, giveaways, and educational conferences, including the highly anticipated presentation of UPMC's annual APP Awards. We are delighted to announce that several of our department's APPs received well-deserved recognition:
| SYSTEM-WIDE APP AWARDS | |
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Joshua Allender, MS, CRNA (UPMC Altoona) - APP Preceptor of the Year: Josh was chosen for this prestigious award based on nominations from students who were inspired by his dedication to teaching and commitment to top-notch patient care. His nomination stood out among a pool of candidates after thorough review by the UPMC Preceptor Academy. Josh has made a profound impact on those fortunate enough to learn from him. |
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Katherine M. Pyros, MSN, CRNA (UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh) - APP Community Service Champion Award: Kathy's peers, managers, and co-workers nominated her for this award to honor her unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality patient care and her dedication to serving the community. Her practice sets a shining example of professionalism that resonates with everyone around her. |
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Leann McDonald, DNAP, CRNA (UPMC Passavant) - APP Rising Star Award: Leann was selected for this accolade by her peers, managers, and co-workers. She was recognized for her exceptional commitment to providing high-quality patient care and her embodiment of professionalism in her practice. |
| UPMC CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL OF PITTSBURGH APP AWARDS | |
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Franklyn P. Cladis, MD, MBA, FAAP - UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh APP Physician Champion of the Year: Dr. Cladis was recognized for his dedication and commitment to supporting, recognizing, and advancing the role of APPs in anesthesiology at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. |
| UPMC PASSAVANT APP AWARDS | |
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Gregory Romano, MSN, CRNA - UPMC Passavant Outstanding APP Award: Greg was selected for this award in recognition of his exemplary performance as a role model, mentor, and inter-professional collaborator across the spectrum of health care delivery at UPMC Passavant. |
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Anthony T. Silipo, DO - UPMC Passavant APP Supporter Award: Dr. Silipo was recognized for his exemplary support for APP practice, education, collaboration, inter-professional inclusion, and professional development at UPMC Passavant. |
We would like to also acknowledge the following excellent award nominees from our department:
System-Wide Nominees
- APP Preceptor of the Year: Bethany Hardesty, MS, CRNA (UPMC Altoona)
- APP Champion of the Year: Anthony T. Silipo, DO (UPMC Passavant)
- APP Rising Star: Michael DiTommaso, DNAP, CRNA (UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh); Aaron Douthit, DNP, CRNA (UPMC Network)
- APP Community Service Champion: Megan Tomaino, PA-C (UPMC Passavant)
- APP of the Year: Amy Croushore, CRNP (UPMC Pain Management); Julie D. Ging, MSN, CRNA (UPMC Presbyterian); Joseph Manilla, MSN, CRNA (UPMC Passavant)
UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Nominees
- UPMC Children’s Hospital Distinctive APP of the Year: Melissa A. Dupilka, MSN, CRNA; Nicole Jativa, CRNP; Susan M. Kelly, MSN, CRNA
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and nominees. We are deeply grateful to all our dedicated APPs for the excellent patient care they provide every day. Your unwavering dedication serves as an inspiration to us all, and you are truly appreciated!
AWARD PHOTOS
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| Leann McDonald, Rising Star Award winner | Kathy Pyros, Community Service Champion Award winner, with UPMC Children’s Hospital Anesthesiology leadership - CRNA Clinical Director Sue Kelly and Chief Anesthesiologist Dr. Franklyn Cladis |
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| Missy Dupilka and Sue Kelly, UPMC Children’s Hospital Distinctive APP of the Year Award nominees, with Dr. Franklyn Cladis | UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh APP Physician Champion of the Year Dr. Franklyn Cladis |
