This week, the Women’s Leadership Alliance Employee Resource Group (ERG) hosted the third-annual Women of Impact Awards, honoring individuals whose outstanding contributions uplift the GBMC HealthCare community. These awards recognize those who embody leadership, mentorship, inclusion, lifelong learning, and behind-the-scenes dedication.
Please join me in congratulating this year’s winners:
- Inclusion Champion – Claire Cafirma, DNP, RN, CNOR, Director of Perioperative, Interventional Radiology, and Endoscopy, is a true advocate for inclusion at GBMC. She has been an active member of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Planning Committee for the past three years and has played a vital role in planning Filipino Heritage Month celebrations, ensuring they are meaningful and engaging for our community. Claire is also deeply committed to supporting GBMC’s international nurses, helping them acclimate and fostering a welcoming environment.
- Lifelong Learning – Ashley Bandurchin, DNP, RN, CCRN, CSSGB, EBP-C, CENP, Assistant Director of Professional Practice, Education & Research, is the embodiment of lifelong learning. Recently earning her Doctor of Nursing Practice, she actively mentors others in their educational pursuits while ensuring GBMC’s nursing policies align with best practices. She fosters a culture of curiosity and evidence-based care among her colleagues.
- Leadership – Michele Patchett, RN, MSN, LSSBB, Director of Process Improvement/Innovation, is a transformational leader driving continuous improvement at GBMC. She applies her advanced certifications, including a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, to spearhead quality initiatives that make a measurable impact—most notably in improving maternal health outcomes.
- Mentoring – Tracie Schwoyer-Morgan, DNP, ANP-BC, Director of Palliative Medical Support Services, is the heart of mentorship in GBMC’s palliative care team. Her guidance, patience, and encouragement empower colleagues, ensuring that compassionate, high-quality care continues for future generations.
- Unsung Hero – Barbara Colleran, Executive Assistant and Support Services Coordinator, is the backbone of GBMC’s support services. From managing vendor operations to coordinating employee events, she works behind the scenes to keep everything running smoothly. Her commitment to both logistics and community-building makes her an invaluable part of our team.
For the Unsung Hero Award, we also recognized three incredible honorable mentions who exemplify dedication and quiet excellence:
- Stacey Rotman, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, Director of Nursing Administration and Human Resources Liaison: A driving force in nursing recruitment, Stacey has refined a best-in-class hiring process that has strengthened GBMC’s nursing workforce.
- Ruby Victor, RN, Unit 28 – Labor and Delivery: With clinical intuition that has saved lives, Ruby is a steadfast presence in Labor and Delivery, always ensuring the highest standards of care.
- Jasmin Phillips, Sodexo Patient Services Supervisor: Known for her kindness and support, Jasmin fosters a strong sense of community in Patient Services, making a difference every day.
Again, congratulations to all!
Speaking of influential women, I’m happy to share that GBMC's Chief of Staff Robin Motter-Mast, DO, MBA, FAAFP, DipABLM, CPE, was named a 2025 Top 100 Women honoree by The Daily Record! Maryland’s Top 100 Women recognizes high-achieving Maryland women who are making an impact through their leadership, community service, and mentoring. Congratulations, Dr. Motter-Mast!
In additional news....
Mark your calendars for “A Walk Down Memory Lane,” a special prom for all senior citizens and their chosen “plus one”—a family member, friend, or professional caregiver. This joyful event, hosted by Avila Home Care, will take place on Sunday, April 6 from 1–3 p.m. at Loyola Blakefield School. I encourage you to spread the word and RSVP to attend. Let’s make this a memorable afternoon for our seniors!
Avila Home Care is one of our trusted partners for critical services for patients who require support in the home, including:
- Personal care
- Companion care
- Memory care
- Hospice support
- Care for veterans
- Transportation
- Light housekeeping
- Laundry
- Meal preparation
- Medication administration
The prom event adds to this list of wonderful services Avila provides to our community.
Staff Recognitions
March 16–22 is Gastrointestinal (GI) Nurses and Associates Week! Please join me in thanking our GI nurses and associates for the critical work they do each day to support patients through prevention, screening, and treatment. As March is also Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, I want to remind everyone that if you’re 45 or older, it’s a great time to schedule your colonoscopy. Call GBMC Gastroenterology at 443-849-3400 or GBMC Colon & Rectal Surgery at 443-849-3130 to take this important step for your health.
Certified Nurses Day was March 19, and I’m grateful to our incredible GBMC nurses who have pursued national board certification in their specialty areas. Your dedication to excellence improves outcomes and enhances the care experience for our patients!