Judging is complete and the results are in. Our panel of expert judges has selected eight healthcare leaders as honorees.

More than 55 individuals and organizations across Kentucky and southern Indiana were represented in this year’s MediStar Award nominees.

Since 2007 IGE Media, publisher of Medical News, has recognized excellence in the business of healthcare at the exclusive MediStar Awards, which honors seven healthcare professionals for their achievements in advocacy, innovation, education, leadership, aging care, as well as announces the physician and nurse of the year. 

This year, because of COVID-19, honorees will be profiled in the December issue of Medical News, as well as celebrated online. The honorees are: 

The Aging Care Award

Presented to an organization that has advanced the level of care for the senior community through innovative methods resulting in reduced costs and improved quality of life.

Hosparus Health – Heart Connection Program

The Heart Connection program provides individuals—most of whom are age 65 and older who have advanced cardiac disease—with the tools to better manage their symptoms and delay disease progression, thereby significantly improving quality of life.

The Excellence in Education Award

Presented to organization that takes creative approaches to developing and implementing programs, which enhance the level of knowledge, education and career opportunity in healthcare.

Kentucky Office of Rural Health

The Kentucky Office of Rural Health works directly with clinicians, clinic and hospital administrators, policymakers and other stakeholders to improve the accessibility of health care services for the commonwealth’s rural and underserved residents.

The Healthcare Advocacy Award

Presented to an individual who has worked to raise awareness of health challenges in our region and worked to affect change.

Steven Kniffley Jr., Collective Care Center, Spalding University

Within the healthcare setting, Steven Kniffley Jr. has advocated for increased culturally competent care for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) individuals. He has advocated for more education, training and service provision for the experience of racial trauma.

The Healthcare Innovation Award

Presented to an organization that has developed a new procedure, device, service, program or treatment that improves the delivery of care.

Lucina Analytics

Lucina uses big data insights and advanced algorithms to identify and engage women who may be at risk for adverse outcomes during pregnancy. This innovative platform allows health plans, healthcare providers, and community health workers to focus on care management that positively impacts both the quality and affordability of women’s healthcare.

The Leadership in Healthcare Award

Presented to a progressive and entrepreneurial individual who is not afraid to take risks and whose job performance is considered exemplary by providers, patients and peers.

Neeli Bendapudi, PhD & Tom Miller, University of Louisville & UofL Health

Neeli Bendapudi, PhD, during her first year at UofL, along with Miller, faced the pending closure of Jewish Hospital and the sale of KentuckyOne Health’s Louisville-area assets. Despite the University’s fragile financial position at the time, Bendapudi and Miller knew that acquiring KentuckyOne Health and Jewish Hospital was the right decision for the University and the community.

The Nurse of the Year Award

Presented to a nurse who has gone above and beyond their normal responsibilities to improve best practices and contribute to patient education.

Cindy Lucchese, UofL Physicians

Cindy Lucchese developed and opened the state’s first drive-thru COVID testing site. This involved ensuring a supply chain for testing materials, coordinating with multiple labs to get results and streamlining the process for both appointments and results with an on-line platform.

The Physician of the Year Award

Presented to a physician who has shown outstanding leadership and vision and has contributed to their workplace leaving a lasting legacy.

Arif Nazir, MD, Signature HealthCARE

Arif Nazir, MD, is a practicing geriatrician, healthcare leader, researcher and an implementation champion. He finds practical solutions for solving care coordination gaps in geriatric care and on enhancing the engagement of physician leaders in the post-acute and long-term care (PALTC) setting.

About Medical News

For over 20 years, Medical News has been the leading source for the healthcare business community in Kentucky to stay informed, grow their businesses and build relationships and communities around important issues.

About the MediStar Awards

Since 2007 IGE Media, publisher of Medical News, has recognized excellence in the business of healthcare at the exclusive MediStar Awards, which honors seven healthcare professionals for their achievements in advocacy, innovation, education, leadership, aging care, as well as announces the physician and nurse of the year.