Congrats To DCI Superstars 2019!
Duke Cancer Institute leadership, including Michael B. Kastan, MD, PhD, executive director, and Robin Famiglietti, PhD, chief administrator, recently visited cancer centers in Durham and Wake counties to present DCI Superstar awards to three deserving recipients—Hansel Bosarge, RN, Duke Cancer Center Durham; Jordan Carrera, PharmD, BCPS, Duke Cancer Center North Durham; and Brenda Wilcox, RN, Duke Cancer Center Raleigh & Duke Women's Cancer Care Raleigh.
“It is always a treat to get out and visit our cancer centers and present these awards,” shared Kastan. “We received a record number of nominations this year, so the competition was fierce. Our 2019 Duke Cancer Institute Superstars represent the best in cancer care.”
Hansel Bosarge, RN, CN IV, Clinic 3-2 (Thoracic Oncology), who joined Duke in 2016, was nominated by several colleagues, including Erin Gallagher, PA-C; Kara Threatt, ANP; Sara Reed, PA-C; Carolyn Krisko, RN, and Sabino Zanni, MD.
“When I first arrived Hansel made it a point to make me feel welcome,” wrote Krisko. “Since then, he has gone above and beyond to create an environment of support, teamwork and encouragement. No matter what may be going on, Hansel is ready to lend a helping hand or offer encouragement.”
Others nominating Bosarge spoke to his compassion and excellence in care.
“Duke Cancer Institute is incredibly fortunate to have a nurse of his caliber,” wrote his supervisor Nicole Carter Allen, BSN, RN, NE-BC, nurse manager, Clinic 3-1 and Clinic 3-2.
Alicia Johnson, FNP-C, Duke Women’s Cancer Care Raleigh, nominated Brenda Wilcox, RN, clinical nurse specialist at Duke Cancer Center Raleigh.
“As the first patient navigator at Duke Cancer Center Raleigh, Brenda has been a change leader, mentor and an invaluable member of the DCI community,” penned Johnson, who won a DCI Superstar award last year. “Brenda is committed to personal and professional growth, which has enabled her to climb the ranks. She inspires others to grow and strive for excellence in patient care.”
Johnson went on to note that Wilcox recognizes the unique barriers to patient care and navigates these diligently to ensure that transitions in care are seamless.
Jordan Carrera, PharmD, BCPS, Duke Cancer Center North Durham, was nominated by Cassandra Mendez, BSN, RN, OCN, CN IV, Oncology Infusion, Duke Cancer Center North Durham.
“If ever there was a person who epitomizes service above self, Jordan is that person,” wrote Mendez. “He works tirelessly to provide the best care to our oncology patients. He strives to be the best team member and is a wonderful mentor to our pharmacy students and residents.”
Mendez went on to describe how Carrera works to find free or discounted drugs for patients. She said Carrera is always pitching in; answering phones at the nursing station, tending to the pumps and scheduling patients.
“This might not seem extraordinary at first glance,” she continued, “but our unit is very small and consists of only a two-nurse team. The extra help he provides truly makes the difference to allow us to provide undisturbed, quality care to our patients. Jordan could easily say that all this is not part of his job, but that just isn’t who he is.”
Each September, Duke Cancer Institute invites faculty and staff to nominate colleagues for the prestigious DCI Superstar award. Superstar awards are presented by Michael B. Kastan, MD, PhD, executive director of Duke Cancer Institute.
