This award was named after James Shepherd, co-founder of the Shepherd Center, as a way to honor his legacy and the many lives he touched. Honorees of this award share the same incredible characteristics as James Shepherd and represent everything he stood for. The award is presented to just one GHA-member hospital employee who has made a significant impact on his or her organization, the community and patient care during a career that has lasted at least 30 years.

Nominations

NOMINATE HERE

Please note that the hospital CEO/administrator/president and/or board chair must review and endorse this nomination and its submission to GHA. You will have the opportunity to confirm this endorsement during the submission process.

Nominations must be submitted by employees or board members of GHA-member hospitals.

Nominees must be employed or have medical privileges at a hospital that is a member of GHA. A nominee can be a person who works at a patient's bedside - such as a physician or nurse - or may be someone who does not directly interact with patients but who helps enhance the overall patient experience, such as a professional who works in an administrative capacity or other areas such as dietary, environmental services or physical plant operations. Please note that CEOs are not eligible as we have a separate award for them, the W. Daniel Barker CEO Leadership Award.

The ideal candidate:

• Exhibits heroic traits through deeds, action, or in his or her everyday role.
• Consistently goes beyond the call of duty.
• Improves the lives of others, including patients, patients' families, community residents, and colleagues.