Saint Joseph Hospital Recognizes Outstanding Medical Staff and Leaders With Awards

LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 4, 2023) – Saint Joseph Hospital has announced its 2022 Physician of the Year, Advanced Practice Provider (APP) of the Year, Employee of the Year and Leader of the Year award recipients.

• Dr. Dale Absher, radiologist, of Lexington, was recognized as Physician of the Year.
• Christian Kemp, pulmonary physician assistant, of Lexington, was recognized as APP of the Year.
• Shamira Ayubu, sterile processing coordinator, of Lexington, was recognized as Employee of the Year.
• Stacy Gabbard, laboratory market director, of Richmond, was recognized as Leader of the Year. 

Each year, Saint Joseph Hospital recognizes an outstanding Physician of the Year and Advanced Practice Provider of the Year who work to bring wellness, healing and hope to patients and families, as well as exhibits CHI Saint Joseph Health’s core values of reverence, integrity, compassion and excellence. Dr. Dale Absher was nominated for Physician of the Year by his colleagues.

“Dr. Absher always goes above and beyond every day to ensure that he is making a difference in our patients’ lives,” said a nominator. “He is very approachable and is always willing to assist employees, patients and families, and he shows great compassion when dealing with patients and their families. I can't say enough good things about Dr. Absher as a physician, but mainly the person he is – he is an asset to our ministry.”

This year’s Advanced Practice Provider of the Year, Christian Kemp, was also nominated by his colleagues.

“Christian goes over and beyond for his patients and department,” said a nominator. “He is always willing to help assist every nurse or situation that arises to care for a patient in need. He also stays over and completes all his work before ending a shift, helps others by assisting with previous consults and new consults throughout the night, and works hard without any complaints.”

Saint Joseph Hospital also recognizes an excellent Employee of the Year and Leader of the Year who go above and beyond their duties and demonstrate the health care system’s core values.

This year’s Saint Joseph Hospital Employee of the Year is Shamira Ayubu. She is recognized for her willingness to go beyond her work duties to ensure her colleagues, especially those working an immediate shift after Ayuba, are well-prepared and organized. A colleague said Shamira makes sure all the instruments needed for the second shift surgical team are prepared and in order.

Stacy Gabbard has been named this 2022’s Leader of the Year, recognized for her outstanding leadership in a managerial position. When CHI Saint Joseph Health switched to the patient information data system EpicCare Link, Gabbard was instrumental in ensuring the team at Saint Joseph Hospital was well-versed in the new system.

“Stacy constantly supported us this year while preparing for the switch to EpicCare Link,” said her nominator. “She took time to train anyone and even came in multiple times during her off-shifts to help when we were short-staffed or needed training with the new EpicCare Link system. Stacy’s focus has stayed on patient care and care for her employees since day one.”

All award winners were recently recognized during a special event and will be celebrated during the CHI Saint Joseph Health Foundations’ Humankindness Gala in Lexington on April 15.

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 Hospital 

Saint Joseph Hospital is a 433-bed hospital located in Lexington, Kentucky. Established in 1877 by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth in Kentucky, the facility serves residents of central and eastern Kentucky and is a nationally recognized tertiary medical center. Saint Joseph Hospital is Lexington’s first hospital. The hospital’s original mission was to provide compassionate care to the poor and underserved – a tradition still carried out today.

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