The story below is a preview from our July/August 2022 issue. For more stories like it, Subscribe Today. Thank you!
We asked readers to share their stories on the health professionals who changed their lives.
No matter the year, no matter the situation, it’s clear that our community wouldn’t be where it is today without its health heroes.
From doctors, nurses and surgeons to holistic practitioners, massage therapists and veterinarians, their care for our entire family should never go unnoticed. We are so appreciative of their work and commitment to our region, which is why we love sharing these special stories from our readers on the following pages.
Our readers submitted their health hero stories in the months of March and April during our nomination process. Over 70 entries include nurses, family physicians, cardiologists, elder care and many more.
Thank you to our readers for sharing your health hero stories. We’re grateful for your time, and for sharing experiences that wouldn’t have had the same outcome without the heroes in your stories.
Nominees are listed in alphabetical order by last name. Some nominators chose to remain anonymous. Quotes from nominators have been edited for grammar and spacing, but are otherwise as submitted.
Owusu Asamoah, MD
LewisGale Physicians
Nominated for Cardiologist by Anonymous
“Foremost he is a great listener. He cares and I can believe what he says. I left my [former] provider as he stopped listening and gave too many meds.”
Linda Bailey
Total You Health
Nominated for Female Health Hero by Eunice Morrison
“In February 2013, I had a kidney transplant. In August 2018, I contracted shingles. I had never had a shingles shot and was not able to take the medicine that was used to combat shingles in fear that it would have an adverse reaction to the daily medicine I take for my kidney. Then in September 2021, my niece told me about Red Light Therapy. She had met Linda Bailey who owns Total You Health and had heard how Red Light Therapy had helped others who suffered from chronic pain. My niece told me that I really needed to go see Linda. I didn’t want to go; however, after suffering from severe pain brought on by shingles for the past three years, and being confined to my bed for the majority of those three years, I was beyond ready to try something new. After my first visit with Linda, I knew I had made the right decision. Linda is so sweet and personable and makes you feel so comfortable. Her entire team is great. After just a few visits with Linda, I could notice the change in how I was walking and how the pain had lessened. I have started going out more and can honestly say I’m no longer confined to my bed. I highly recommend to anyone who is suffering from chronic pain to contact Linda and give Red Light Therapy a try.”
William F. Ball, MD
Roanoke Family Medicine
Nominated for Family Medicine by Betty Lou Fox
“Dr. Ball has been our family doctor for 25+ years. I trust him with my life and that of my family. He’s not the easiest to get an appointment with, yet I know that if I really need him, he will return our call and get us in as soon as possible. He will give us advice or refer us to specialists that he’d give to his own parents and family. The best words I’d use to describe Dr. Ball are trustworthy, honest and a patient advocate. I’d highly recommend him. He’s the best!”
Suzanne Bowser, MSN, RN, NEA-BC
Carilion Clinic
Nominated for Educator by Nancy Bowser
“Suzanne received her RN, BS in 2000 and has been working full time since then. In the meantime, she married, had two children and obtained her MS [while] working full-time. In the past two years, she obtained her Doctorate and continues to be dedicated to her family and patients. I know, firsthand, because I am her mother-in-law and was a cardiac patient on her floor. She is very knowledgeable as well as caring. She is trusted with patients’ care on a daily basis and is well thought of by physicians.”
Jessica Brim, NP
Valley Care, LLC
Nominated for Family Medicine by Betsy Baker
“Jessica Brim is a wonderful provider. She originally practiced with Dr. Larry Monahan, who unfortunately passed away from COVID-19. Brim, in a year’s time, has set up her own thriving private practice in Salem and is still down to earth and a good, thorough practitioner. She is always looking for innovative solutions to medical needs and is doing this all while raising a preschooler on her own. She is a US Veteran and I can’t imagine having anyone else as my primary care provider.”
Kim Buff, ARNP, FNP-C
CentraHealth
Nominated for Nursing by Anonymous
“Kimmie Buff is amazing and is well deserved of a raise! You all are blessed to have her on your team; she always has a smile on her face no matter what’s going on. Kimmie Buff is a blessing to everyone she treats, thank you Kimmie for all you do.”
Luz Carr, APRN
ProMedica/Heartland Hospice
Nominated for Hospice Care by Traci Nagy
“As a hospice RN Case Manager, I work very closely with Carr to make sure our patients’ needs are met. I’ve been in nursing 39 years and I’ve never met anyone with the ability to care for, assess, teach and comfort … all at the same time. Having worked herself through the ranks from a nursing assistant to a nurse practitioner, she has intimate knowledge of the day-to-day struggles our caregivers and families are facing. No matter how busy she is, she makes time to reach out to me to check on a patient she’s concerned about. She is a joy to do visits with, as she loves to impart her knowledge with the case managers, and this case manager is a willing sponge. I’ve observed her laugh and exchange bear hugs with patients … but more importantly, I’ve had the honor to be in her presence when she cried. She’s the cream that rose to the top of her profession but never forgot her roots. She’s an amazing example of nursing at its finest. ... and someone who I’m so deeply proud of standing beside … knowing my patients … our patients are getting the best care possible. In the end … that’s all that really matters.”
Nell Carr-Young, L. Ac.
Bluebird Acupuncture, Inc.
Nominated for Holistic Health/Natural Healing by Anonymous
“Nell brings so much knowledge, skill, experience, care and insight to her work, that I have always felt better physically, mentally and emotionally after my appointments! Which is amazing to me! She is generous and kind with her knowledge, and skilled with communicating and adapting so I understand and am set up to continue to improve. Having been through decades of health challenges I was jaded, losing my will to continue to try to find help, hopeless that I might enjoy life. Thanks to Carr-Young, my body and brain are working better, so I feel hope again.”
Keel Coleman, DO
Carilion New River Valley Medical Center Emergency Room
Nominated for ER Services by Lindsay McKinnon
“Helping close family friends through the attempted suicide of their daughter, I reached out to Dr. Coleman and let him know to expect us coming through the doors of the ER. He carefully and thoroughly explained what to expect and what not to expect inside of COVID practices and overflowing hospital beds statewide. His professionalism and bedside manner were impeccable and he immediately gained the trust of my friend, his patient. He saved a life that night; he followed up with me on how she was doing and now she is about to graduate from veterinary school and live the life she was always meant to live! God bless Keel for catching us and shepherding us through scary traumatic attempts and providing a new path to healing.”
Meredith Collins
Crystal’s Healing Hands
Nominated for Massage Therapist by Liz Long
“After two years of working from home on a laptop and phone, my spine finally had enough, and neck muscle pain became a huge problem for me. After nearly a month of putting up with it, I found Meredith at Crystal’s Healing Hands. Six weeks and three appointments later, I feel like my old self. I can move my head in every direction without pain, no longer need pain relief medication and am back to my regular workouts without fear of injury. Collins is a total sweetheart and has an absolutely magical touch. She helped adjust my spine and muscles, and I now see her work as preventative—plus, it’s a great ‘treat myself’ massage every time! I am incredibly grateful to her for easing my pain and giving me back the ability to move without issue. She’s definitely a health hero to me!”
Jessi Cordle
Keagy Village Veterinary Hospital
Nominated for Veterinarian by Gretchen Lewis
“Jessi Cordle is one of a kind. Caring, compassionate and loving. She cares for your babies as if they were her own. There is nothing she cannot do. She has the best attitude with a smile on her face always! She takes care of everything and everyone despite facing challenges herself but you’ll never hear her complain. Once you meet her you will understand why I am nominating her. She’s treated all my baby boys (Braedon, Marley and Lil Bit). She’s the best around and you will never find anyone more dedicated than she is.”
David Cummings, DO
Southwest Medical Clinic
Nominated for Family Medicine by Barry Light
“I’ve been going to Dr. Cummings for 37 years and he has always treated me with the utmost respect and with professionalism. I can remember when I was in the hospital recovering from a stroke in 2015, how I would wake up around 6 AM to find him at my bedside checking to see how I was doing. I know that’s part of his job, but I really appreciated him being there and following through to determine the cause of the stroke.”
Debbie Custer
The Hemp Mill
Nominated for Holistic Health/Natural Healing by Anonymous
“Ms. Custer has been educating Southwest Virginia about hemp and cannabis beginning in 2018. She is a national leader in the hemp industry educating on hemp nutrition and bioavailability of cannabinoids focusing on improving the immune system. In 2019, following the legislation on medical cannabis in the state, Custer hired and trained nurse practitioners to facilitate the assessment and certification process for those seeking to use medical cannabis instead of opioids and pharmaceuticals. She has dedicated her time to educating community leaders, the medical field and politicians on the cannabis plant and how to utilize plant based medicine and nutrition for a better lifestyle. In 2018, Custer opened a retail space in Vinton, once again educating the area leaders regarding the attributes of hemp for nutrition and health. In late 2019, she spoke at a seminar for regional economic developers to help them understand how investment in the cannabis industry would drive growth in Southwest Virginia. A healthier community will lead to prosperity, as proven in other countries. Custer is passionate about educating for a healthier community. During the pandemic, Custer focused on development of hemp foods, knowing that a good diet is the key to fighting viruses. Making her community healthier is her goal, and she is doing this with healthy food choices and healthy medical choices. She is a Health Hero in every sense of the word.”
Todd Dehli, MD
Family Centra - Village
Nominated for Family Medicine by Anonymous
“Dr. Dehli is my hero. He is personable, compassionate and cheerful. He listens sincerely and gives the impression he has all the time in the world for the patient he is with although I know his time is precious and his schedule is packed. He asks about the patient and shows he is familiar with the reason the patient made the appointment, but also past complaints, procedures and tests. He communicates his reasons for diagnoses, tests, procedures or follow-ups clearly and makes time to answer questions. I will be bereft when he retires.”
Larry Dennis, MD
Carilion Clinic Maternal Fetal Medicine
Nominated for Maternal Fetal Medicine by Sara Stultz
“There were many heroes who helped me through my most recent pregnancy, but Dr. Dennis was my big ‘behind the scenes’ hero. When I was pregnant with my first child, everything went fine. Unfortunately, that was not the case with my most recent pregnancy. It was determined that I was in a high-risk pregnancy and there were many times that it was highly possible that I wasn’t going to have a baby at the outcome. Dr. Dennis helped guide me through one of the most difficult times of my life, giving me honest feedback and helping me to make the best decisions with the information we had at the time. He even made me smile and laugh when I came to see him, despite having to work through some very difficult conversations. My miracle baby came about seven weeks early and spent two and a half weeks in the NICU, but he is healthy and happy. Any woman who has experienced a high-risk pregnancy can attest that it is not easy and you feel so helpless. You could be doing everything right and there are things that happen that are out of your control. I realize that during his career, who knows how many women and babies, like me, he has helped, so for this reason and all the reasons above I am nominating Dr. Dennis. Thank you Dr. Dennis, for helping so many women and babies and being a part of saving my miracle baby.”
Lisa Deyerle, MD
LewisGale Physicians Cave Spring Family Medicine
Nominated for Family Medicine by Casey Anderson
“Dr. Deyerle has been my GP for years now. She has been wonderful. Her empathy and quality of care are outstanding. I have no hesitation in referring her to anyone.”
Nominated for Family Medicine by Anonymous
“Dr. Deyerle has been my primary physician for years. She takes her time with me. She is very thorough and compassionate. Not only is she concerned with my physical health but my mental health. We have always been able to communicate well with one another. She knows I am widowed and live alone. Her staff is always professional.”
Sarah Evans, MD
Carilion Clinic Urogynecology
Nominated for Urogynecology by Suzi Findley
“Dr. Evans is my hero. When I was in Las Vegas and had to go to the ER at a local hospital, she kept up on my situation while I was in Las Vegas and advised me of what to do. She opened her office for me the minute I stepped off the plane so she could examine me. Dr. Evans gave me all possible options for my situation and for me to choose the plan to help. Dr. Evans did my surgery and had to call a specialist when she found a foreign mass at the time. She kept my spouse informed of her discovery during surgery. If I didn’t have surgery, the mass would not have been found. I haven’t felt so good and healthy in the past three years.”
Patrice Freeman
Wonderful Land of Oils
Nominated for Holistic Health/Natural Healing by Shiree Carr
“I met Patrice Freeman of Wonderful Land of Oils at a FemCity meeting. She spoke briefly about essential oils and how they can help in all kinds of ailments. Me being someone who shies away from taking any medicine, I was interested and set up a one-on-one meeting with Patrice. Patrice in our first meeting was able to educate me on the quality and benefits of using doTERRA essential oil for your mental, physical and emotional health. I can’t even describe how much of a positive impact using essential oils has had on not only my life and my friends and family. I was able to share my essential oils with my daughter to help with her anxiety (Balance) and my cousin who is battling pancreatic cancer (Lavender, serenity/calming) for sleep or DeepBlue (for pain). Essential oils have become a daily part of my life. I use the ADAPTIV when I’m juggling numerous projects and have to focus on one task for a specific amount of time. Patrice Freeman is my Health Hero and I’m so grateful that she introduces me to the wonderful life of doTERRA Essential Oils.”
Shafagh Ganjikia, OTR/L
Friendship
Nominated for Physical Therapist by Robyn Chitwood
“Ganjikia is my health hero for so many reasons. I had several accidents that required foot therapy, arm therapy, learning how to walk again, a lot of difficulties, and Ganjikia was/is a good person, caring; she helped me through so much. She even went out of her way to meet me at my gym to show me and help me how to get my strength back and help me know how much I could do and what not to do. She is a wonderful therapist, friend, confidante and I will cherish her always. Right now and for the last few years I have been going to the gym two to three times a week to keep my strength and to get my life back on track. I will forever be grateful!”
Kirsten Gardner, MD
Carilion Clinic Family Medicine - Salem
Nominated for Family Medicine by Stuart Hershon
“I recently decided to change primary care physicians because I felt ignored and rushed when I needed to see a doctor. I thought I might have to try several before I found someone with whom I felt comfortable, but I got so lucky with Dr. Gardner! Dr. Gardner is newer to the area, so she was taking new patients. Her manner is highly competent, calm and nonjudgmental. She listened to my issues surrounding my post-COVID symptoms and clearly explained each detail of my blood work and personally called me when I had additional questions. She never spoke down to me and made me feel 100% heard. This all may seem unremarkable, but to find an attentive, engaged physician in today’s broken healthcare environment is something I haven’t experienced since I was a child.”
Kristin Godsey, RN
Carilion Clinic
Nominated for Nursing by Tyler Godsey
“As a mother of two children with Usher Syndrome, Kristin Godsey also is one of the Charge Nurses in Roanoke Memorial’s Oncology department. Working the late night shift, she has readily responded to the needs and challenges facing cancer patients throughout the last six-plus years without hesitation. Her compassionate care combined with her maternal touch has offered moments of respite and comfort in times of immense pain and struggle. Her leadership and steady presence serve as inspiration for her team, patients, family and friends. All the while, she balances the challenges of her work with her ceaseless love and enduring care for those around her. While many nurses rightfully deserve praise and recognition for the work they do, Godsey embodies the spirit of all that we cherish and value within the broader community of healthcare professionals and nurses in particular.”
Michele Gunter, LCSW
Thriveworks
Nominated for Mental Health by Anonymous
“Michele Gunter has helped me through many difficult times. She has always been here for me. She is kind and shows true compassion to her clients. I came to her after the death of my son and she helped me weave his death into my life. I have been able to move forward with my life.”
Albert Hagy, Sr., MD (Retired)
Carilion Clinic Family Medicine - Rocky Mount (formerly Wolfe Medical Group)
Nominated for Family Medicine by Anonymous
“Dr. Hagy is truly a hero in so many ways. I was his office nurse for many years at then-Wolfe Medical Group, which is now Carilion Family Medicine in Rocky Mount. During my years working for him he encouraged me to go to Richmond and take the exam to be a LP nurse which I did as I had dropped out of nursing to marry and at that time you could not be married. Dr. Hagy was always ready to go above and beyond for his patients and their families. He is truly a hero in my opinion as back in the 1960s he made house calls, delivered babies, was on call, prayed with families and to this day is an encourager. He along with his pastor has written a book, ‘Taking Water to the Thirsty,’ in which he tells about his caring for the elderly as he is also a geriatrician and was the physician for a local nursing home. He is truly a gentleman in every sense of the word and truly one of my most special heroes. He is in his eighties now and still is truly a hero to lots of people in this community as well as Roanoke. His stories are awesome and I nominate him as a hero to many as well as his family.”
Michael Hairfield
Cave Spring Veterinary Clinic
Nominated for Veterinarian by Debbie Equi
“My health hero is Dr. Michael Hairfield with Cave Spring Veterinary Clinic. Our dogs are an important part of our family and we love them a great deal. Dr. Hairfield helped us work through end of life dementia several years ago with our miniature poodle, Codi, and now with a difficult bowel disease with our maltese, Buzz. Through the years I have been able to count on Dr. Hairfield and his staff to guide us through the daily care and the tough times with our dogs. A dog cannot tell us what hurts, so it is so important to have someone that really pays attention and takes the time to get to know your dog. Dr. Hairfield genuinely cares about his patients; he obviously puts a lot of thought into the care he prescribes. He calls and gives well thought out updates on blood work, tests, surgeries, etc. He and his staff are always kind and considerate. Dr. Hairfield shows a great sense of responsibility which helps me to know that I am not alone in trying to figure out what is wrong with our dog and what steps to take to recovery. I thank Dr. Hairfield and the staff of Cave Spring Veterinary Clinic for the excellent care and sincere commitment that they give to our family (humans and dogs). It really helps to know that you have a knowledgeable and kind veterinarian with a great staff that you can call on when your dogs are not well.”
Denene Hannon
enCircle
Nominated for Home Health Care by Dian Bolling
“The chaos that happened when COVID struck was hard on everyone, but especially devastating on the ‘dif-ability’ world of Autism. Imagine one day every place you loved and the only people you knew were gone and you didn’t know why. During the shutdown, our son Austen Bolling suffered physically, mentally and emotionally until he was labeled ‘failure to thrive.’ At five-eleven, he quickly dropped to 86 pounds, barely able to eat a bite of food. For the longest year and a half, we visited doctors, urgent cares and the ER only to be turned away or passed along. To say Denene Hannon (RN Skilled Nursing Caseworker for enCircle Healthcare) was like the angel of an answered prayer is not an exaggeration. … She got permission to admit him to the ER and even helped fill out the paperwork necessary to admit him while I calmed my son down in the waiting room. Now, after 45 days in the hospital, he is back home and in all of our loving care. He was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease and had an abscess the size of a grapefruit removed from his stomach. All this happened without many words but with a lot of patience, skill and dedication wrapped in the loving hands of an amazing woman and caregiver. Hannon will always be a part of our family story and we are grateful and blessed beyond words for her.”
Kelly Henchel, MD
Carilion Children’s Primary Care
Nominated for Pediatrician by Anonymous
“Dr. Henchel has been my son’s doctor since he left the hospital. He was born with a genetic condition and was extremely small. She has listened to me and been a wonderful doctor and advocate for my son. I feel that she has gone the extra mile for her patient. I would love to see her recognized for what she does.”
Maria Hirsch, CRNA
Carilion CLINIC
Nominated for Anesthesiologist by Marc Hirsch
“I had a stroke three years ago. My wife took care of me and made sure I did all the things that I needed to do to get well. That meant being tough on me and telling me to do stuff, which as a guy, I don’t take direction too well. It was all the little stuff; medications, appointments, etc. She is a director at Carilion, yet she found the time to take off to see me every day while I was hospitalized for five weeks. Making sure that I ate and I was clean. Looking back at the time, I took it for granted and she had a lot of other stuff going on at the same time. Of course this was right before COVID, so she had the added responsibilities. She is my hero because I don’t care how much you love someone, you still tend to take them for granted, even in a small way.”
Alicia Hollis
Valley Integrative Medicine
Nominated for Holistic Health/Natural Healing by Jennifer Baldwin
“Dr. Hollis is one of a kind. My adult children and I have been under her care for the last five years. She thinks outside of the box, she is so smart and kind. She has changed our health lives for the better. She is an outstanding internal medicine doctor with a holistic approach.”
Roseann Holmgren, PA-C
VA Medical Center
Nominated for Veterans’ Care by Anonymous
“Roseann Holmgren’s ability to listen to a veteran’s complaints and to efficiently order tests and follow-ups as she is conducting a physical is impressive. She was always responsive to my husband’s requests and complaints, and made sure he had the necessary medications, equipment and complementary care he needed. My husband and I appreciated her and knew we could depend on her to respond to his needs. She was his primary care physician (nurse practitioner) from the 2010s until he passed of lung cancer in January 2022.”
Benjamin Hull, MD
LewisGale Physician Ear, Nose and Throat - Blacksburg
Nominated for Otolaryngologist by Patty Murphy
“I had severe sinus issues, had so many sinus polyps, was unable to breathe most of the time, couldn’t taste or smell for years. I have had two previous sinus surgeries for these issues in the past but was not done properly and had more issues and side effects. I was then referred to Dr. Hull in Blacksburg and he took his time to listen to me about all of the issues and did multiple X-rays, CT scans, etc. to see what was all going on. This physician practically saved my life! Dr. Hull did the sinus surgery and more underlying surgeries on me and he did absolute wonders! Now I can smell, breathe and taste for three years so far! Dr. Hull is a remarkable ENT Physician! He saved my life. I recommend him to anyone.”
Henry Ivey, Jr., MD (Retired)
Carilion Clinic Family Medicine - Vinton
Nominated for Family Medicine by Robyn Chitwood
“I vote for Dr. Henry Ivey, Jr. because he has been my primary physician for 30+ years, and through all of my operations, personal problems at home, hospitalizations, he has always been there for me. When hospitalized several times I could count on waking up at some time with him looking over me. Though he has recently retired so he could spend some time with family and he definitely deserves it, I definitely will miss seeing him, but another physician had taken over for me and I’m sure we will have a lasting relationship, as well. I am sure Dr. Ivey will always be in my heart ... (literally, I had open heart surgery), and in the heart of many others that he looked over and took care of for so many years.”
Rebecca Johnson, RN
Carilion Clinic
Nominated for ER Services by Caitlin Gills
“Rebecca Johnson has been an asset to Carilion’s ER department prior to COVID and throughout the pandemic. Johnson has shown resilience and has continued to be willing to learn, is always smiling and stays positive. She has stayed compassionate for her coworkers and patients. She is a strong female leader for the community and Carilion.”
Ezekiel Jones, DO
Physician Associates of Virginia
Nominated for Family Medicine by Carey Harveycutter
“Dr. Jones is one of the finest doctors I’ve ever encountered. He is always willing to go the extra mile to assist his patients, including returning phone calls in the evening or on weekends. He is also very responsive to messages through the office portal, not leaving returning messages to his nurse. He’s a great diagnostician and always has time to fully discuss medical conditions with his patients irrespective of the time constraints. I saw him walk an elderly patient to her van where he helped her into her vehicle and buckled her in. When I told him later that I had seen his kindness, he just said ‘you have to take care of your patients all the time, not just while in the office.’ I recommend Dr. Jones strongly for this recognition.”
George Kevorkian, DDS (Retired)
George Kevorkian, DDS
Nominated for Oral Surgeon by Ingrid Kevorkian
“My health care hero is my husband, Dr. George Kevorkian. I have watched him the past 36 years, doing what he loves, caring for and helping people. He recently retired from his practice of oral and maxillofacial surgery. I know he was honored and grateful to treat the patients of the Roanoke-Vinton-Salem area for so many years. He will always be my hero!”
Nominated for Oral Surgeon by Jennifer Baldwin
“Dr. Kevorkian is the best in the business. He has taken care of our family’s oral surgery needs, wisdom teeth removal, bite plates, etc… He is so smart, a talented surgeon, compassionate and kind to his patients and staff. He is perfect for this award.”
Nominated for Oral Surgeon by Victoria Baldwin
“As someone who has been both a patient and previously an employee for Dr. K, I know firsthand how much he cares for his patients and strives to provide the best possible care. Dr. Kevorkian works to meet the needs of all who are under his care whether a patient or an employee; he cares about the entire person, not just the problem he is treating at the moment, and that is why he is the person I nominate as a healthcare hero.”
Nominated for Oral Surgeon by Anonymous
“Dr. Kevorkian is the best in the business! He has taken excellent care of our children’s oral surgery needs such as wisdom teeth, bite guards etc… He has also taken care of my oral surgery needs. He is so smart, compassionate, such expertise and so kind to his patients and office staff. He has an excellent reputation and loved by so many. He is perfect for this award.”
Nadeem Khuri, MD
Salem Surgical Associates
Nominated for Surgeon by Suzi Findley
“Dr. Khuri was the fifth doctor I saw to have some lipomas removed. Other doctors wanted me to have an EKG, in-hospital surgery, among a lot of other tests prior to surgery. He did outpatient in the surgery center instead of a hospital stay. He listened to me and knew that he could do several other, in office lipoma removals, which are more of a nuisance than a concern to the patient. I have gone back to him several times and would highly recommend him for surgery.”
David Killeen, DO
LewisGale Physicians
Nominated for Pulmonology by Deborah Key
“Dr. Paul Lekowski referred me to pulmonologist Dr. David Killeen, who diagnosed my allergy-related asthma, found a treatment and fought the insurance company to see that I received the medication. I am now a new woman because of that Nucala medication and have way better quality of life. I would follow them both to the ends of the Earth.”
Jeri Lantz, MD
Carilion Clinic Internal Medicine
Nominated for Internal Medicine by Ana Morales
“As a Type 1 diabetic for nearly 30 years, I have a lot of experience in doctors’ offices. I was fortunate to have an awesome pediatrician as a child (Dr. Whitehead at Physicians to Children), but it took a few years to find a doctor I clicked with as an adult. I started seeing Dr. Lantz in 2011 and have gone back to her ever since. Doctor visits usually make me feel pretty anxious, and Dr. Lantz has always been great at helping me feel comfortable and answering any questions I have. I always feel like I can take my time going down my list of concerns and I know that I’m being heard. She has never dismissed my feelings or my knowledge of my own health and her recommendations always prove to be beneficial. Aside from the medical talk, she never fails to ask me about my family and personal life, even projects I’ve been working on. I’m nominating Dr. Lantz because I’m so grateful to have a doctor I can trust — everyone deserves that!”
Paul Lenkowski, MD
Roanoke ENT & Allergy
Nominated for ENT by Deborah Key
“When no one else seemed to be getting it right, he diagnosed my labyrinthitis and ultimately fixed me. He later sent me to a pulmonologist, Dr. Killeen, who diagnosed my allergy-related asthma, found a treatment and fought the insurance company to see that I received the medication. I am now a new woman because of that Nucala medication and have way better quality of life. I would follow them both to the ends of the Earth.”
Marie Malinchak, MD
Roanoke Partners in Health
Nominated for Family Medicine by Anonymous
“Dr. Malinchak has been with me through several diagnoses. Multiple sclerosis, breast cancer, pneumonia and more recently COVID. She has supported me through my husband’s open-heart surgery, even though he’s not her patient. She asked about him every time I talked to her. I can’t imagine having a better, more professional and caring doctor. She has called me personally instead of having her nurse call me, with almost every lab, X-ray, etc. report. I will never forget the time she called me from Disney World while she was on vacation with her family to check in and see how I was doing throughout the cancer journey! I have yet to have any other truly care enough to that level … to take time out of her time away … to still be thinking about her patients, in this case … me! I’m certain she does it with most if not all of her patients because I have read many reviews on her and so many other patients mention the same attributes that I admire in her. She is my doctor and I totally respect her for that but she is also a member of my extended family after 20 years of care and I am blessed to have her in my life!”
Rikki McConnell, FNP-C
The Hybrid Clinic
Nominated for Holistic Health/Natural Healing by Regina Huff
“Rikki McConnell specializes in helping others get their certification for medical marijuana. She has made it her mission to get the word out about this alternative treatment for everything from depression and PTSD to severe pain. She has been a lifesaver for many. Thank you, Rikki!”
Barbara Moore, MD
Drs. Moore and Stockstill, PC
Nominated for Obstetricians/Gynecologists by Anonymous
“Dr. Moore is compassionate and takes the time to really learn about her patients. Upon coming for your visit, she personally comes to get you from the waiting room. Then the two of you sit in her office and talk about what’s happening in your life, your health, any concerns, etc. As a patient I really feel like she cares about me as a person, not just her patient. My recent mammogram came back with issues so I had to do more intense testing. Fortunately, all my test results were negative. I received my results the day of the testing. When the results were delivered to Dr. Moore, she called me one evening to go over the results, to make sure I was okay, asked if I had any questions and to chat about what the results meant for the future. I appreciated her call so much. Again, I felt the genuine compassion she has for her patients.”
Carl Musser, Jr., MD
Carilion Clinic Cardiology
Nominated for Cardiologist by Bruce Meyer
“Explains issues very well, has excellent staff to work with you.”
Heather Neff
Virginia Lutheran Homes, Brandon Oaks
Nominated for Elder Care by Nicole Bruch
“Heather is the President and CEO of Virginia Lutheran Homes, owners and operators of Brandon Oaks Life Plan Community. Heather has exemplified the term servant leadership throughout her career but especially over the past 2 years during the COVID-19 pandemic. Leading a senior living organization during a pandemic, that in the beginning made people terrified of nursing homes and senior living, has been difficult. Nonetheless, Heather has lead VLH and BO through the worst of COVID-19. When things got difficult and staff were feeling the strain of all of the regulations and testing and quarantine rules, Heather made a point to talk directly with front line staff and staff in all levels to really hear what they were experiencing and how we could make it better. Rather than stay in her office while the pandemic played out, she was there with her staff. From deciding the best path for the organization to ensuring staff morale stayed up, Heather made sure everything was in the best interest and safety of the residents and staff.”
Taylor Nelson, DACM
Clear Light Acupuncture
Nominated for Acupuncture by Anonymous
“Taylor Nelson is establishing his practice of acupuncture and Chinese medicine in Roanoke. His diagnoses and treatments have helped me tremendously in dealing with grief and lethargy. I am impressed with the insight and information he gathers from using traditional methods and the effectiveness of the treatments he uses.”
Derek O’Dell, DVM
Brandon Animal Hospital
Nominated for Veterinarian by Anonymous
“Dr. Derek (as my family likes to call him) is a very caring and patient doctor when it comes to treating his four legged patients. I have known Derek since he was a small child and he has wanted to be a veterinarian since he was eight years old. Derek served as a volunteer at Mill Mountain Zoo in his teens and this got the ball moving toward his dreams of being a vet. A survivor of the Virginia Tech shootings, Derek has been an inspiration to many in the community for his bravery, compassion and all around good nature. Dr. Derek grew up in the Roanoke Valley and graduated from Cave Spring High School and Virginia Tech with a degree in Biological Sciences. He earned his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine in 2013. Dr. O’Dell has worked as a veterinarian in the Roanoke Valley since 2014 and has been with Brandon Animal Hospital since early 2020.”
Molly O’Malley, DO
Carilion Clinic Family Medicine - Brambleton
Nominated for Family Medicine by Anonymous
“Dr. O’Malley is kind and caring and takes time with all of her patients. You don’t feel rushed when you see her. She is also a very gifted doctor.”
Ashley Patterson
Hollins Volunteer Fire & Rescue
Nominated for ER Services by Marie Patterson
“After becoming an EMT at 17, Patterson immediately started running with the Hollins Volunteer Rescue Squad while in high school, holding another paying job and working toward and becoming an Eagle Scout. She did all this in the midst of the COVID pandemic. She is now a student at Radford University Carilion. She is studying to be a Paramedic (made Dean’s list her first semester), still volunteers with the Rescue Squad and works for Carilion Transport. At 19, she shows more heart, professionalism and responsibility than many adults more than twice her age. After she finishes at RUC, she intends to go through the fire academy. She works exceptionally hard and expects no recognition, but deserves it just the same.”
Phillip Patterson, MD
LewisGale Physicians - Orthopedics
Nominated for Orthopedic Surgeon by Michelle Drake
“Dr. Patterson is very patient-driven. He is thorough, skilled, caring and selfless. He has helped my family members and numerous friends. Every time we tell him about someone who is struggling with a knee or hip issue, he always says for them to give him a call, and he always sees them quickly. He is unlike all other specialists I have met in many ways. It does not take a year to get an appointment. He does not draw out the process. He sees the patient and immediately puts in a plan of action. He is thorough. He answers questions and genuinely cares about his patients. He does not ignore, dismiss patient concerns or talk over you. He is a health care hero because he makes patient care a priority every day, even on weekends.”
Marisa Peacock, RN
Brandon Oaks at Home
Nominated for Home Health Care by Nicole Bruch
“Marisa Peacock, RN, has been with Brandon Oaks at Home since its creation in 2016. However, she has truly shined for the organization since the beginning of COVID. Along with her normal job duties, Marisa served as our medical sounding board for resident and staff quarantine guidelines, was on call seven days per week for over a year to answer any and all medical questions dealing with COVID and all areas of campus including the process of admitting new residents in all care levels during COVID’s peak. She also would conduct home visits on behalf of Brandon Oaks at Home when staffing was short. We would not have made it through the peak COVID times without Marisa’s guidance and expertise.”
Lakeisha Proctor
Berkshire Health & Rehabilitation Center
Nominated for Nursing by Zoe Fancher
“She is an awesome nurse and very helpful. I miss her when she is off and losing your independence can be challenging, though with her by my side, it’s been much easier to manage. She has been employed with Berkshire for 13 years, a long time for a young nurse. She cares about us and that’s what matters. She is truly a health hero and deserves recognition.”
Whitney Pugh, FNP-BC
Agenacare Housecalls
Nominated for Home Health Care by Spencer Pugh
“All throughout the pandemic when urgent cares and other practices were turning patients away who were showing signs or symptoms of having COVID, Whitney was visiting and treating any and all patients that fell under the scope of the practice (in home urgent care). At the time of the pandemic, this was a 24/7 service closed only on Christmas Day and Easter Day. Pugh and her team of providers saw it all.”
Nicholas Ramey, MD
Vistar Eye Center
Nominated for Ophthalmologist by Anonymous
“During the height of the pandemic, I was suffering from symptoms of a rare eye disease that was threatening my vision and causing unbearable pain. Over the course of two months, four different specialists in the Richmond area passed me off to the next and each one treated me as a mystery set of symptoms, often shrugging their shoulders at me. I was completely terrified. Then a friend at Vistar recommended Dr. Ramey, and he immediately fit me into his next clinic day. I traveled to Roanoke (my family lives there) and as soon as I met him, he instantly reassured me, validated my fears and most importantly, treated me as a person ... not just a patient or a set of symptoms. He took more than an hour to explain my disease and set expectations of the road ahead. I will never forget his words, ‘I’ll be like your quarterback and I will work with your team in Richmond to treat and manage this.’ I felt safe, heard and hopeful. More than a year later and after six months of infusion treatments, my eye disease is in full remission and it’s bittersweet to say that I no longer need to continue my three-month follow-ups with Dr. Ramey. I will always be grateful for his kindness, patience and brilliance. He’s an expert in his specialty and a master of his craft, but most of all, he’s an exceptional human being. Thank you, Dr. Ramey.”
Kamran Rasul, MD
LewisGale Physicians - Endocrinology
Nominated for Endocrinology by Anonymous
“I had low thyroid then it went high. He worked with me till it was gotten under control. So far I am on no medicine for the thyroid disease.”
Molly Rutherford, MD
Carilion Clinic Cardiology
Nominated for Cardiologist by Anonymous
“She has taken care of me and my husband. Very caring and thoughtful. The best!”
Anna Schnetzler
Woodrow Wilson Middle School, Roanoke City Public Schools
Nominated for School Counselor by Jason Long
“Anna Schnetzler has been a school counselor at Woodrow Wilson Middle School for a number of years now. This has always been a difficult job but that is especially true now due to how the pandemic has affected the mental health of children. Schnetzler does a great job connecting with the kids and coming up with creative ways for them to express their feelings and take care of their mental health. Mrs. S is a vital part of WWMS!”
Donna Shelor, PharmD
Carilion Clinic Pharmacy - New River Valley
Nominated for Pharmacist by Anonymous
“Dr. Shelor is always at work and does a great job. She works seven nights on and seven nights off. She always finds time for her husband and two daughters as well as other family members and friends. Dr. Shelor is very active in church and community events with family and friends.”
Jonathan Stewart, MD
Carilion Clinic Family Medicine - Southeast
Nominated for Family Medicine by Kemia Hashemzadeh
“Dr. Stewart has helped me a lot through some painful times. He really pays close attention to the details of what the issues are and finds solutions rather than the run around. I’m grateful he is close by my home and really listens. He also has had a broken foot himself but he kept going, serving his community.”
Darla Summers, MSN, RN
Virginia Western Community College
Nominated for Educator by Anonymous
“Mrs. Summers is an excellent nurse educator and dedicates a lot of her free time supporting our nursing program.”
Dr. Maurie Sutton
Zen My Brain
Nominated for Holistic Health/Natural Healing by Sam Austin
“Dr. Maurie Sutton has helped me improve my life tremendously from using her Access Bars therapy on a consistent basis for a number of weeks now. Anytime I start struggling with anything that is going on in my life, I always schedule a session with Dr. Maurie. She always seems to know whatever I am struggling with, without me telling her, and after every session I begin to feel way better from where I was going in. This has made such a difference for not only my overall mental health, but also my entire career has improved tremendously. I recommend trying out Dr. Maurie’s services to every person I speak to. Zen My Brain is amazing!”
Nina K. Sweeney, MD
Partners in Care
Nominated for Family Medicine by Anonymous
“She is the greatest! Thorough, patient and fun!”
Mary Sweet, MD
Carilion Clinic Family Medicine - Roanoke Salem
Nominated for Family Medicine by Deborah Ewers
“Efficient, caring, knowledgeable. She sees an injury or illness that concerns her and she takes action. Dr. Sweet sets you on a path to wellness and recovery. I’ve never had a doctor like her.”
Nominated for Family Medicine by Margaret Lawrence
“Dr. Sweet is the most caring, compassionate, thorough, knowledgeable physician that I have known in my lifetime. She goes far beyond the norm to see that you have the best medical care that is available. She works beyond normal office hours to be sure you are informed of health tests and information you may need. I have had her call me at 9:30 p.m. to relay information I needed; so has my husband, who is also her patient. She works with other physicians to ensure you have the best care available, she follows through with referrals to make sure you are being sent to the best place or doctor for the care you need. When my son passed away, she gave me a shoulder to cry on and showed me such compassion, in the medical field that is a loving, caring doctor. She has been so faithful in our health care and we are so very blessed to have her as our family physician. I would recommend her to anyone who needs a primary care physician. This is just a short synopsis of the things she has done to make sure we have the best medical care available. She certainly deserves acknowledgment of her great work in the medical field. She is an instructor for medical residents; what an honor if you are privileged to have her as an instructor. She will teach them integrity and caring for their patients.”
Travis Talley, RN
Carilion CLINIC
Nominated for Nurse by Lindsay McKinnon
“After experiencing epic tragedy and loss the night my house burned down and my children died, Travis was the nurse that caught me in the ER after being transported from my home. The level of care and attention to details, the way he protected my space in a state of traumatic shock, the conversations and eye contact he provided not only gave me safe space to heal but literally began my healing process in depth and dimension that is a rare treasure. Ever grateful, always, and in All Ways.”
Jamee Tyree, FNP-C
LewisGale Physicians - Bonsack
Nominated for Family Medicine by Liz Long
“I am nominating Jamee Tyree as my Health Hero because I am so impressed by her professionalism, enthusiasm and overall kindness. I was nervous about looking for a new practitioner and finding someone who wouldn’t dismiss my worries. She really listens to my concerns, had absolutely no judgments (incredibly important to feel safe discussing anything to do with your health) and makes the appointments much easier and enjoyable. I also really appreciated her openness when discussing holistic health options, as well as her concern over my mental health and providing a list of options to consider in case I wanted to reach out to anyone. So glad I’ve found her as my doctor!”
Donald Vile, MD
Blue Ridge Cancer Center
Nominated for Oncologist by Anonymous
“Dr. Vile has been treating my husband through his cancer diagnosis, surgery, chemo and continued treatment. He has answered every question and been very caring during the entire process. Dr. Vile always makes time and returns calls, emails in a timely manner. He is truly an outstanding doctor.”
Jennifer Walker, DC
Balance Wellspace
Nominated for Neuropathy Treatment by Anonymous
“My father couldn’t walk three months ago because of the severe neuropathy in his feet. Our GP told us there wasn’t anything left to do or try after years of traditional treatments. A friend told us about the amazing neuropathy treatment her mom received at Balance Wellspace so we jumped at the chance to try it and the success has been life changing for my dad. Thank you, Dr. Walker and team for helping my dad get his life back! We are forever grateful.”
Kevin Walsh, MD(Deceased)
LewisGale Physicians
Nominated for Hero in Memoriam by Benjamin Carlin
“My wife Alyce and I had been working closely with Dr. Walsh over the past year and a half. In that time, we had two miscarriages and a full term pregnancy that he delivered on October 26, at 8:23 PM. He unexpectedly passed away two days later. Dr. Walsh meant and means so much to our family. He made us feel safe when we were terrified. He always answered our calls and messages and he brought Addison to us safely. You can ask anyone who knows us and we have done nothing but spoken in the highest regard about our experience from the very start. We always said that you could just tell this was someone who found exactly what they were supposed to do. That he cared so genuinely about every pregnancy, mother and child. We are so grateful to have known him. And I wholly believe that he made the world a better place by being here.”
Michael Wiid, MD
Carilion Clinic Internal Medicine
Nominated for Internal Medicine by Anonymous
“My husband and I feel he is the BEST in every way. In the many years that he has been our primary doctor, he has ALWAYS diagnosed our sickness correctly. He shows concern, love and patience with his patients. The BEST!”
Gregory Zachmann, MD
Jefferson Surgical Clinic
Nominated for Otolaryngologist by Gloria Davis
“I am a patient of Dr. Gregory Zachmann at Jefferson Surgical Clinic in Roanoke. He is my hero because I have chronic sinusitis where I couldn’t breathe from my nose before they said COVID was out. I lost my taste and smell. I’ve had two surgeries by other doctors and they couldn’t tell me what was wrong. Dr. Zachmann is an ENT specialist and he worked with me. He opened me back up so I can breathe again. I was so miserable I was giving up [the will] to live. I went to the funeral home and made arrangements for myself because I couldn’t go on living like this. I prayed to God to please help me and he did, he sent me to this beautiful and wonderful doctor whom I adore. I would refer anyone to him because he was God sent me. I can breathe now even though I still can’t taste or smell. I’m still here. He is my guardian angel. He needs to be honored for his work.”
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