Presenting The 2025 Healthcare Heroes

September 11, 2025 HCN Staff

Since BusinessWest and the Healthcare News created the recognition program known as Healthcare Heroes in 2017, the initiative has more than

succeeded in its quest to identify true leaders — not to mention inspiring stories — within the region’s large and vitally important healthcare sector.

The award was created to recognize those whose contributions to the health and well-being of this region, while known to some, needed to become known to all. And that is certainly true this year.

Go HERE to see the 2025 Healthcare Heroes Digital Flipbook

Click on the names below to read each story of this years Healthcare Heroes:

Andy Yee Palliative Care Unit at Mercy Medical Center

Honoree in the Collaboration in Healthcare category, Inspired by a lifetime of giving, they gave the region something in his Name;

Andrea Bertheaud

Clinical Assistant Professor at Elms College, honored in the category of Healthcare Educator, she’s raising up a young generation of nurses with empathy, conviction;

Linda Koh

Assistant Professor at Elaine Marie College of Nursing at UMass Amherst, an honoree in the category of Community Health, she is changing lives through passion for nutrition;

Dr. Thomas Lincoln

Physician and Associate Professor of Medicine at Baystate Health and honored for Lifetime Achievement, he’s pioneers an innovative model of care for the incarcerated;

Areliz Barbosa

Clinical Assistant Professor and Senior Project Coordinator at Bay Path University, Community Health honoree who’s a fighter and advocate for helps others overcome and thrive;

Chrissy Humason

Nursing Supervisor and Stroke Coordinator at Nobel Hospital and honored as an Emerging Leader, she helps close gaps in care through education and outreach;

Cindy Leonard

Infusion Manager, Sister Caritas Cancer Center at Mercy Medical Center, honored in the category of Healthcare Provider, she brings empathy and a strong ear to those navigating their cancer journey;

Dr. Yannis Raftopolous

Director at Holyoke Medical Center Weight Management Program, honored in the category of Healthcare Administrator, he helps patients regain their health, and their lives.