Recognizing Remarkable Care: Moffitt's 2024 PFAC Award of Excellence Winners
The Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) at Moffitt Cancer Center recently celebrated the exceptional contributions of departments and individuals who have significantly enhanced patient- and family-centered care. The 2024 PFAC Award of Excellence recognizes those who go above and beyond to ensure that patients receive not only the best medical treatment but also compassionate, holistic care. This year's winners, spanning across various departments and roles, exemplify the values that PFAC strives to uphold.
Arts in Medicine
For over two decades, Moffitt’s Arts in Medicine (AIM) Program has been a cornerstone of the institution’s commitment to holistic care. Designed to address the needs of the body, mind and spirit, AIM offers patients and caregivers the therapeutic benefits of the arts during some of their most challenging times. Whether through creating art in the studio, enjoying private bedside visits or listening to live musical performances, AIM ensures that the healing power of art is accessible to everyone at Moffitt.
David Dauman, a longtime Moffitt patient, caregiver and PFAC advisor, emphasized the critical role AIM plays in providing emotional and mental support. “While Moffitt excels in medical treatment, patients and their families often need additional forms of support to navigate the challenges of a cancer diagnosis.”
The AIM team’s dedication to meeting these needs is what makes their program truly outstanding.
Patient Library
The Patient Library at Moffitt is more than just a collection of books; it’s a welcoming space where individuals from all backgrounds can find the information they need. Whether it’s understanding specific diseases and treatment options, learning about coping strategies or exploring nutrition and integrative medicine, the library serves as a comprehensive resource for accessible health information.
Rae Sawyer, PFAC co-chair, praised the library’s impact on patient education. “The library is a wonderful resource where patients can find information that might be hard to get elsewhere. Thank you from both patients and advisors; I’ve learned a ton about Moffitt and its programs through you.”
The Patient Library’s commitment to empowering patients with knowledge has made it an invaluable department to the Moffitt community.
Information Technology (IT) Department
The IT department at Moffitt plays a pivotal role in the daily operations of the cancer center. From managing complex data systems to ensuring the reliability of patient scheduling software, the department’s work forms the backbone of Moffitt’s operations.
Sawyer highlighted the department’s crucial contributions, stating, “If it weren’t for IT, there wouldn’t be appointments, scheduling or the ability to record blood work and imaging studies. You touch everybody’s life at Moffitt.”
The IT department’s work directly impacts the overall patient experience, making their recognition well deserved.
Executive Referral Services
The Executive Referral Services team works closely with every department at Moffitt to ensure a seamless referral process for patients and their families. Understanding the challenges departments face in scheduling appointments, the team approaches each patient interaction with humility and assertiveness, ensuring that every patient feels like a VIP.
This team’s dedication to patient-centered care is evident in their collaborative efforts, ensuring that patients receive timely and personalized care throughout their treatment journey. Their ability to bridge communication between departments and patients has earned them this year’s PFAC Award of Excellence.
Dr. Eric Lau
Eric Lau, PhD, associate member in the Tumor Microenvironment and Metastasis Department and the Molecular Medicine Program, has made significant strides in advocating for equity and amplifying the voices of patients and researchers alike. His work extends beyond the lab, as he actively mentors and supports his students and lab team, fostering both professional and personal growth.
Susan Vadaparampil, associate center director for Community Outreach and Engagement at Moffitt, praised Lau’s commitment to collaboration and patient advocacy. “Eric never hesitates to collaborate and support initiatives that benefit patients. His work with the Patient Researcher Forum shows his dedication to making sure patients are heard.”
Lau’s impact on Moffitt’s community, both as a researcher and an advocate, is truly inspiring.
Netsuh (Nessie) Gezahegne
Nessie Gezahegne, a certified medical assistant at the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation Outpatient Center at McKinley Campus Infusion Department was honored with an individual PFAC Award of Excellence for her exceptional contributions to patient care. Known for her positive interactions with both patients and team members, Gezahegne embodies the heart of the unit.
Susan Brill, a PFAC patient advisor who nominated Gezahegne, shared her admiration: “Every day, she carries on with a smile. She always puts patients first and genuinely strives to understand their experiences. Her empathy and care are unparalleled.”
Whether gently preparing patients for cold capping or ensuring meals are delivered without a hitch, Gezahegne’s compassionate approach to care has left a lasting impact on those she serves.
The 2024 PFAC Award of Excellence winners have demonstrated extraordinary dedication to enhancing the patient experience at Moffitt. Their efforts reflect the cancer center’s commitment to holistic, patient-centered care, ensuring that every individual who walks through Moffitt’s doors feels supported, informed and cared for in every possible way. Congratulations to our 2024 award recipients!
