Saint Joseph East Recognizes Outstanding Medical Staff and Leaders With Awards

LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 4, 2023) – Saint Joseph East has announced its 2022 Physician of the Year, Advanced Practice Provider (APP) of the Year, Employee of the Year and Leader of the Year award recipients.

• Dr. Lynda Newman, emergency medicine physician, of Georgetown, was recognized as Physician of the Year.
• Eric Morrow, PA-C, of Nicholasville, was recognized as APP of the Year.
• Michelle Reffitt, RN, of Winchester, was recognized as Employee of the Year.
• Jared Roberts, laboratory manager, of Nicholasville, was recognized as Leader of the Year.

Saint Joseph East annually recognizes an outstanding Physician of the Year and Advanced Practice Provider of the Year who help to build healthier communities, as well as exhibit CHI Saint Joseph Health’s core values of compassion, inclusion, integrity, excellence and collaboration. Dr. Lynda Newman was nominated for Physician of the Year by her colleagues.

“Dr. Newman goes above and beyond for her patients and the emergency department staff,” said a nominator. “She is constantly there to be an ear to listen, a shoulder to lean on and a friend when needed. Dr. Newman is always just a phone call away and rushes to the rescue when there is a need for extra staff. She comes in ready to work and lend a helping hand, and she’s consistently expanding her knowledge to ensure her patients get the best care. She is the prime example of compassion, integrity, inclusion, excellence and collaboration and is very deserving of having the title of Physician of the Year.”

This year’s Advanced Practice Provider of the Year, Eric Morrow, was also nominated by his colleagues.

“Eric has an extensive background in the OR starting out as a nurse, then becoming a Physician Assistant.  His expertise is second to none with his extensive knowledge of the operating room,” said a nominator. “He is very helpful to the staff in every way and does so with a great attitude and joviality. The surgeons love him as well as the staff and his peers. We are lucky to have Eric a part of the SJE OR team. 

Saint Joseph East also recognizes an excellent Employee of the Year and Leader of the Year who go above and beyond their duties and demonstrate the health care system’s core values.

This year’s Saint Joseph East Employee of the Year is Michelle Reffitt.

“Michelle joined our Labor and Delivery team about one year ago from Mount Sterling's ED team. Michelle told us she always wanted to be a labor nurse. You can see her passion as she cares for her patients,” a nominator said. “She brings a critical care expertise that we value from her ED experience. She always has a positive attitude, a smile on her face, is a team player, stepping up and doing things without being asked. Michelle personifies humankindness with our patients and our staff. Michelle is an asset to our team at the Women’s Hospital.”

Jared Roberts has been named this 2022’s Leader of the Year, recognized for his outstanding leadership in a managerial position.

All award winners were recently recognized during a special event and will be celebrated during the CHI Saint Joseph Health Foundations’ Humankindness Gala in Lexington on April 15.

About CHI Saint Joseph Health

CHI Saint Joseph Health, part of CommonSpirit Health, is one of the largest and most comprehensive health systems in the Commonwealth of Kentucky with 100 locations in 20 counties, including hospitals, physician groups, clinics, primary care centers, specialty institutes, home health agencies and an ambulatory care center. The hospitals in CHI Saint Joseph Health are Flaget Memorial Hospital, Saint Joseph Berea, Saint Joseph East, Saint Joseph Hospital, Saint Joseph Jessamine, Saint Joseph London, Saint Joseph Mount Sterling, and Women’s Hospital at Saint Joseph East. In total, the health system serves patients in 35 counties statewide. CHI Saint Joseph Health is dedicated to providing a wide array of services toward a goal of building a healthier future for all. CHI Saint Joseph Health embodies a strong mission and faith-based heritage and works through local partnerships to expand access to care in the communities it serves.

About Saint Joseph East

Saint Joseph East is a 217-bed full service community hospital located in the southeastern section of Lexington, KY. Established in 1983, the facility serves residents of central and eastern Kentucky. At Saint Joseph East, ambulatory surgery, 24-hour emergency care and women’s health services are supported through a vast array of inpatient and outpatient programs.

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