Palomar Health honors Healthcare Heroes

Three Recognized for Contributions; Posthumous Honor for Joe Catral

Palomar Health honored three employees at the San Diego Business Journal 2023 Healthcare Heroes Awards, an event showcasing the achievements of San Diego's healthcare providers.

The three honorees were introduced by Sheila Brown, Executive of Strategic Priorities for Palomar Health.

Brown previously served four years as Chief Operations Officer and was responsible for operations and organizational strategic efforts. She also served as Vice President of Continuum Care, oversaw operations of the Inpatient Acute Rehabilitation Unit, SNF, Home Health and Ambulatory Care Services and Express Care Clinics.

Brown was instrumental in the development and planning of the Palomar Health Rehabilitation Institute, a rehabilitation hospital and the outpatient pharmacy. She led the implementation and facility development of the Crisis Stabilization Unit, which provides mental health services for patients in acute crisis in a 24-hour setting.

“Today, we are honoring three extraordinary individuals who have helped us reimagine healthcare by taking the fear out of it, and we are honoring those who have made significant contributions in their respective fields,” Brown said as part of her introduction.

Joana Fuentes

The first award of the evening went to Joana Fuentes.

Fuentes is “a highly skilled bilingual medical assistant with over 11 years of experience providing comprehensive patient care,” Brown said. “Joana currently works for Palomar Health Medical Group in a fast-paced practice. Her exceptional skills in rooming patients, performing vital signs, and administering vaccinations have helped to maintain excellent clinic flow, ensuring patients receive prompt and efficient care. She is a true asset to the medical community and is an inspiration to all aspiring medical assistants.”

Fuentes said: “I am proud to have been recognized for my 11 years as a medical assistant. I care deeply about each and every one of the patients at Palomar Health Medical Group and am honored to be a part of a team that is dedicated providing extraordinary care to the communities it serves.”

Kristin Gaspar

Second to be recognized was Kristin Gaspar, a small business owner, elected leader and media professional who serves as the President and CEO of the Palomar Health Foundation.

“From organizing the annual Health Rocks Wellness event to providing grants to open Palomar Health's Trauma Recovery Center, located at One Safe Place, Kristin is dedicated to reimagining the entire healthcare experience,” Brown said. “She also helped organize Santa's Workshop for Palomar Health employees and their families that are in need, bringing over 400 children presents during the holiday at no cost to the families. Along with this, her leadership skills and dedication to public service have made Kristin an invaluable member of the community.”

Gaspar said: “It is an honor to be recognized among San Diego Healthcare Heroes making a positive impact. Our mission at the Palomar Health Foundation is to reimagine the healthcare experience through unique employee engagement strategies and fun community events. With projects like the Health Rocks Festival which integrates sports, entertainment, dining and healthy living, we are highlighting that a healthy lifestyle doesn't have to be boring! We are grateful to be extremely active in the community and helping families in need through efforts such as Santa's Workshop, providing Christmas gifts to over 400 local children. Thank you, San Diego Business Journal!”

Josaphat ‘Joe' Catral

The third and final honoree was Josaphat “Joe” Catral, who unfortunately passed away recently.

Catral's legacy “continues to impact the healthcare industry,” Brown said. “Joe arrived at Palomar Health in 2015 with extensive experience as a nurse and leader in behavioral health and acute rehab. Under his mentorship, Palomar Health's Acute Rehabilitation unit was recognized nationally for discharge to home, acute hospital readmissions, and gains in independence measures. Joe's leadership also helped The Villas at Poway maintain CMS 5-star ratings for over five years, earning them the title of Best Nursing Home by U.S. News and World Report for three years. His dedication to providing extraordinary care and setting high standards for his team will always be remembered.”

Brown concluded: “Please join me in giving a round of applause to our three extraordinary honorees, Joana Fuentes, Kristin Gaspar and Joe Catral, for their outstanding contributions and unwavering commitment to reimagining the healthcare experience. Thank you for your dedication to making our community a better place.”

Palomar Health released a statement saying: “Throughout his tenure with Palomar Health, Joe Catral cared deeply about his patients and staff, a gift which he is still remembered for each day at both The Villas and Palomar Health Rehabilitation Institute. His smile and 'daily walk about' set the tone for the day with everyone and made them feel happy to be at Palomar Health.” ■