UConn Health

August 5, 2013 | Carolyn Pennington - Schools of Medicine and Dental Medicine

Health Center Accolades – August 2013

Rodriguez-Oquendo wins scientist of the year award; Dobbins recognized for curbing prescription drug abuse; medical student Nakrani wins poster presentation; new fence for Burgdorf community garden and July’s PAWS winners.

UConn Health Accolades (Shutterstock image)

Congratulations (Shutterstock image)

Annabelle Rodriguez-Oquendo, Ph.D.
Dr. Annabelle Rodriguez-Oquendo

Dr. Annabelle Rodriguez-Oquendo, the Linda and David Roth Chair of Cardiovascular Research and professor of Cell Biology at the UConn Health Center, has been named Scientist of the Year by Great Minds in STEM™.

For 25 years, GMiS has recognized the achievements of America’s top engineers and scientists within the Hispanic community during the HENAAC Conference in October. Each honoree is peer-reviewed and selected by a committee of representatives from industry, government, military and academic institutions.

John Dobbins
John Dobbins

John Dobbins has been selected as this year’s recipient of the Cardinal Health Generation Rx Champion Award for 2013. Dobbins received the award for his contribution in curbing prescription drug abuse in Connecticut. Dobbins has been instrumental in organizing the medication disposal program that takes place across the state and at the Health Center each year. Dobbins will receive his award during the Connecticut Pharmacists Association’s Awards and Installation Banquet in September.

Radhika Nakrani
Radhika Nakrani

Congratulations to fourth-year medical student Radhika Nakrani and Dr. Mary Chang, associate clinical professor of dermatology and pediatrics, for receiving first place for her poster presentation at the Society for Pediatric Dermatology conference in Milwaukee.

Burgdorf Community Garden
UConn School of Medicine faculty and students receive a check from Cigna Insurance representatives and community garden volunteers. (Photo provided by Caroline Lewis)

The community garden at the Burgdorf/Bank of America Health Center in Hartford’s North End has a new fence around it thanks to Cigna Insurance. Cigna made a $5,000 donation for the fence and other expenses to help maintain the garden. The Burgdorf, a community clinic that provides care for Hartford’s underserved population, is a collaboration between the UConn School of Medicine and Saint Francis Hospital.

 

Know Better Place is pleased to announce July PAWS award recipients to the employees who consistently perform above and beyond the expectations of their job and exhibit the following attributes: Part of a team; awesome attitude; wonderful work ethic; and superior service.

  • Danielle Andrews, CMHC Hartford – MED
  • Jason Cruz, CMHC Garner
  • Sara Cyr, CMHC MacDougall/Walker – MH
  • Caroline DeFrancesco, Hospital Administration
  • Matthew Dobos, CMHC Hartford – MED
  • Joyce Fritz, Facilities Management Administration
  • Heidi Greene, CMHC MacDougall/Walker – MED
  • David Kibe,  CMHC Robinson – MED
  • Merry Letizio, UMG Neurosurgery
  • Cherylene Williams, Patient Services

Team – Neurology/Nephrology MAs

  • Robin Thibeau
  • Hiramis Rosado
  • Rosemarie Wolliston

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