Neighborhood Healthcare honors Healthcare Heroes

CEO Dr. Rakesh Patel Highlights One Trio's Contributions

Neighborhood Healthcare honored three outstanding employees at the San Diego Business Journal 2023 Healthcare Heroes Awards. The May 23 event showcased the achievements of San Diego's healthcare providers.

The honorees were introduced by Dr. Rakesh Patel, CEO of Neighborhood Healthcare.

Dr. Patel has ensured the nonprofit community health organization possesses the resources and culture it needs to provide quality, compassionate, whole-person care to families, regardless of their situation or circumstances. Dr. Patel is the Chair of the Board of Managers for Integrated Health Partners of Southern California.

Dr. Patel received his M.D. from the Medical College of Wisconsin. He received his MBA from the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst. He is a CPCA board member and a CMA delegate and serves as the East County Region Director on the San Diego County Medical Society board.

“It is an honor to be here today to recognize our Healthcare Heroes,” Patel said. “Our mission at Neighborhood is to provide quality healthcare regardless of situation or circumstance. This year at Neighborhood, we added four health centers, bringing our total to more than 20, and we have another opening in just a couple of weeks.

“We also added two mobile health centers – these are self-contained vehicles, complete with full exam rooms. One serves the Escondido Union High School District, bringing behavioral health services directly to students. The second – a mobile dental health center – provides dental services to thousands of children at local schools.

“We also expanded our PACE program, which is the Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly. Neighborhood's PACE center now provides more than 150 participants with daytime health and social services. We plan to open another PACE center later this year.

“I am so proud Neighborhood has had this opportunity to now serve almost 90,000 patients from El Cajon to Riverside.

“In just the last year, we have grown from about 800 employees to now 1,200. It takes every one of our employees — going above and beyond every day — to expand our services and build healthy and happy communities. Neighborhood could not have grown so rapidly and provide so many more services without the dedication of all of our employees. This includes our call center, our administrative staff and of course the women and men who are so committed to our patients inside and outside of our health centers.

“We at Neighborhood thank all our Healthcare Heroes for their dedication and service to our patients and community. Tonight, we honor three for their outstanding efforts.”

Kerry Holloman

At this point, Dr. Patel introduced Kerry Holloman, enhanced care management program manager.

“Kerry is dedicated to expanding our enhanced care management program for our most vulnerable patients with chronic medical conditions,” Dr. Patel said. “Kerry connects those patients to a variety of services including advanced medical services, home care and other necessary social services. Kerry serves through building collaborative relationships with community-based organizations and managed care plans for patients to receive the best care possible. Thank you and congratulations, Kerry, as we honor you for improving their lives.”

Holloman said: “I can't begin to describe how surprised I was to learn that I had won the Healthcare Heroes Award. It truly means the world to me, and I am honored to have received it. I received it on behalf of my incredible team, without whom this award would not have been possible. I am grateful to do the work I do every day, to work with such caring and dedicated staff, and to work with such an amazing organization like Neighborhood Healthcare.”

Veronica Baron

Next to be honored was Veronica Baron, who has been a medical assistant with Neighborhood for over 15 years in family medicine, pediatrics and prenatal care.

“She oversees our lab department at our Valley Center health center and is also a vaccine coordinator,” Dr. Patel said. “She is dedicated to making our patients feel important and works diligently to provide the highest standard of care. Congratulations, Veronica, and thank you for your professionalism and compassion.”

Baron said: “I was so honored and excited to receive the Healthcare Heroes Award this year. I chose to work in a healthcare because I love helping people and being there for them during their health and wellness journeys. I am so happy I was able to share this moment with my children, family and coworkers.”

Socorro Ortiz

The third honoree of the evening was Socorro Ortiz, a patient services representative who has been with Neighborhood Healthcare for 11 years.

“Through her excellent communication, Socorro always ensures our patients feel at ease and have their every need met. A team player, Socorro helps train new employees, guiding them through essential procedures and teaching them the Neighborhood way of compassionate care. Thank you, Socorro, for your commitment to your patients and Neighborhood.”

Ortiz said: “Neighborhood Healthcare has provided me with a lot of experience in customer service, which is my passion as a Patient Service Representative. My best award every day is when patients are happy with my service. It was very unexpected to receive the Healthcare Heroes Award, and I appreciate Neighborhood nominating me.”

Dr. Patel concluded by saying: “Thank you everyone for inviting us here tonight and giving us the opportunity to honor our heroes.” ■