Saint Joseph East Recognizes 2021 Physician of Year; 2021 Advanced Practice Provider of the Year

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 29, 2021) – Saint Joseph East recently recognized Amy Carrillo, DO, as the 2021 Physician of the Year, and Karen Hillenmeyer, PA-C, as the 2021 Advanced Practice Provider of the Year. Dr. Carrillo, of Lexington, practices at CHI Saint Joseph Medical Group – Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Hillenmeyer, of Lexington, is director of the CHI Saint Joseph Health - Center for Weight Loss Surgery. Both were recognized during a virtual ceremony.

The hospital annually recognizes an outstanding Physician of the Year who works to bring wellness, healing and hope to patients and families, as well as exhibits the core values of reverence, integrity, compassion and excellence.

“Dr. Carrillo consistently demonstrates compassion for both patients and staff,” said her colleague. “She does not shy away from difficult clinical situations and always stands up for what is right. She practices with integrity and excellence and stays on top of current recommendations in clinical practice. She collaborates with physician peers and the nursing staff regularly to assure patients receive excellent care and demonstrates caring and empathy to both patients and staff. She is always so kind to the nursing staff and the Women's Hospital (at Saint Joseph East) would not be the same without her.”

This year’s Advanced Practice Provider of the Year recipient, Karen Hillenmeyer, was also nominated by a colleague.

“Karen has been on the medical staff at Saint Joseph East for 39 years,” said her colleague. “She has developed a vast network of colleagues and patients that respect her for her compassion, strong work ethic and relentless dedication to our mission and to her work. She has been a right arm extension of surgical teams with practices of general, vascular and bariatric surgery. Not only has she devoted time to patients, but she has shared her experience by also mentoring students in nursing, physician assistant studies and other medical fields.”

About CHI Saint Joseph Health

CHI Saint Joseph Health, part of CommonSpirit Health, is one of the largest and most comprehensive health systems in the Commonwealth of Kentucky with 100 locations in 20 counties, including hospitals, physician groups, clinics, primary care centers, specialty institutes, home health agencies and an ambulatory Care Center. The hospitals in CHI Saint Joseph Health are Flaget Memorial Hospital, Saint Joseph Berea, Saint Joseph East, Saint Joseph Hospital, Saint Joseph Jessamine, Saint Joseph London, Saint Joseph Mount Sterling, and Women’s Hospital at Saint Joseph East. In total, the health system serves patients in 35 counties statewide. CHI Saint Joseph Health is dedicated to providing a wide array of services toward a goal of building a healthier future for all. CHI Saint Joseph Health embodies a strong mission and faith-based heritage and works through local partnerships to expand access to care in the communities it serves.

About Saint Joseph East

Saint Joseph East is a 217-bed full-service community hospital located in the southeastern section of Lexington, Kentucky. Established in 1983, the facility serves residents of central and eastern Kentucky. At Saint Joseph East, ambulatory surgery, 24-hour emergency care and women’s health services are supported through a vast array of inpatient and outpatient programs.

About Women’s Hospital at Saint Joseph East

The Women’s Hospital at Saint Joseph East is a 16-bed Level III NICU located in Lexington, Kentucky. Established in 2010, the facility serves residents of central and eastern Kentucky and is a state-of-the-art hospital dedicated exclusively to the health and well-being of women. The facility features patient- and family-centered design and amenities.

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