Saint Joseph Mount Sterling Recognizes Outstanding Medical Staff and Leaders With Awards

MOUNT STERLING, Ky. (April 4, 2023) – Saint Joseph Mount Sterling 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. John Sanders, anesthesiologist, of Lexington, was recognized as Physician of the Year.
• Kelsey Jude, physician assistant, of Warfield, was recognized as APP of the Year.
• Jeff Lawson, maintenance mechanic, of Jeffersonville, was recognized as Employee of the Year.
• Karen Hunt, nursing manager, women’s services, of Flemingsburg, was recognized as Leader of the Year. 

Each year, Saint Joseph Mount Sterling recognizes an outstanding Physician of the Year and Advanced Practice Provider of the Year who help to build healthier communities, as well as exhibit CHI Saint Joseph Health’s core values of compassion, inclusion, integrity, excellence and collaboration. Dr. John Sanders was nominated for Physician of the Year by his colleagues.

“Dr. Sanders demonstrates CHI Saint Joseph Health's core values daily," said a nominator. "His compassion is exhibited as he listens to patient concerns and fears regarding anesthesia. His inclusion is demonstrated as he acknowledges patient and family concerns and explains procedures at a patient level. His integrity is evident in his honest replies to all situations. Still, he always prioritizes patient safety and looks at the entire picture to achieve optimal patient outcomes. He guides his team to strive for excellence and is the first to request collaboration to discuss possible solutions if a situation arises. Dr. Sanders recognizes it takes a team to be successful and is always willing to listen.”

This year’s Advanced Practice Provider of the Year, Kelsey Jude, was also nominated by her colleagues.

“Kelsey goes above and beyond every day within our facility, from a simple gesture to life-changing decisions,” said a nominator. “Her bedside manner and rapport with patients, families and colleagues are contagious and inspiring. She is often found helping staff assist a patient out of bed, offering a hand in situating patients in bed, collecting vitals and making herself easily accessible to staff. She takes the time, patience and understanding to connect with patients and families in their time of need and triumph.”

Saint Joseph Mount Sterling also recognizes an 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 Mount Sterling Employee of the Year is Jeff Lawson.

“Jeff Lawson is a true joy to work with,” said a nominator. “He always has a smile and is always willing to help wherever he is needed. Jeff does excellent work, keeping our facility looking and operating exceptionally. He truly cares about others and will go out of his way to make sure help is provided, and the job is completed. Jeff is an excellent member of the Saint Joseph Mount Sterling team.”

Karen Hunt has been named this 2022’s Leader of the Year, recognized for her outstanding leadership in a managerial position.

“Karen has been instrumental in supporting the safety of Saint Joseph Mount Sterling’s staff and patients,” said her nominator. “She’s helped lead key hospital initiatives, like implementing a postpartum hemorrhage cart, neonatal crash cart and a code green into the emergency operations plan.”

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 Mount Sterling

Saint Joseph Mount Sterling is a 42-bed community hospital located in Mount Sterling, Kentucky. Established in 1918, the facility serves residents of Montgomery, Bath, Menifee, Powell and Rowan counties. An investment of $60 million opened the current facility in 2011.

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