BFMC Medical Staff Receive Leadership Awards

GREENFIELD — Four physicians and one nurse practitioner who are on staff at Baystate Franklin Medical Center were nominated by their peers for leadership awards, and were presented with these at the hospital’s recent Medical Staff and Allied Health Recognition Dinner, held at the Blue Heron Restaurant in Sunderland.

Recipients were Dr. Howard Natenshon, Radiology; Dr. Henry Godek, Anesthesiology; Dr. Renee Carson, Emergency Department; Dr. Kathleen McGraw, Hospital Medicine; and Kathryn Aubry-McAvoy, NP, Cardiopulmonary Services.

Dr. Jacques Blanchet, BFMC’s director of Medical Affairs, nominated Natenshon for his leadership in developing a culture of philanthropy at Baystate Franklin Medical Center. Highlighting the many special fund-raising events Dr. Natenshon has organized, Dr. Blanchet noted, “he helped promote the Second Century Campaign to other physicians, and last year initiated the Wheeling for Healing bike ride event.”

Nominating Godek was Dr. Stephen Fox, a general surgeon. Fox praised Godek for his professionalism, commitment, and high standards. “In large part due to Henry’s leadership, Baystate Franklin Medical Center was the first hospital in the Pioneer Valley to actively promote patient-controlled epidural anesthesia to obstetrics patients,” Fox explained. “Working in partnership with the nursing staff on that unit, he helped them offer this valuable modality to women so they could create the kind of birthing experience they want.”

Carson was nominated by Dr. Sara Rourke, a hospitalist, for her leadership in compassion and team-building. Rourke noted that “Renee Carson is a master relationship-builder in the Emergency Department, where she has raised everyone’s awareness about the importance of marking special days and recognition events such as Nurses Week. A quick thinker and solid clinician, she takes action calmly and efficiently in a crisis — assuring patients and their families that they are in capable hands.”

Dr. Kathleen Grandison, a family physician, nominated McGraw for her leadership in establishing the Hospital Medicine Program at BFMC. “Dr. McGraw has established a full-time Hospital Medicine program that is now serving all of our primary care practices in the area,” said Grandison. “This is a huge accomplishment and a major transition for our hospital community — and it is directly attributable to Kat’s vision and dedication.”

Aubry-McAvoy received an award for her leadership in community outreach. Nominating her was Dr. James Arcoleo, a cardiologist, who commented, “when someone is needed to talk in the community about practical approaches to heart health and cardiovascular awareness, Kathryn Aubry-McAvoy is there — a regular presenter with the popular Blood & Guts program for area school children, and at various Senior Class and Spirit of Women events.” Dr. Arcoleo also noted that Aubry-McAvoy launched and is leading a monthly support group for women living with heart disease.