For Immediate Release September 24, 2020

Eleven nurses from University of Maryland Medical System-affiliated hospitals have been named as "Excellence in Nursing" winners by Baltimore Magazine. The nurses represent both the Midtown and Downtown campuses of the University of Maryland Medical Center, the System's flagship academic hospital, as well as the University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center (Glen Burnie), the University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center (Towson), and University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Medical Center (Bel Air) campuses.

"The commitment to quality care and nursing excellence demonstrated by these nurses truly makes a difference for every patient across our System," said Mohan Suntha, MD, MBA, President and Chief Executive Officer of UMMS.

Information about the Top Nurses: 2020 honorees

University of Maryland Medical System Honorees

Cathy Karska, BSN, RN, BMTCN
University of Maryland Medical Center (Downtown Campus)
Category: Oncology

Michelle Davis, MSW, BSN, RN
University of Maryland Medical Center (Downtown Campus)
Category: Neonatal Pediatrics

Lisa Malick, MS, RN, OCN *
University of Maryland Medical Center (Downtown Campus)
Category: Nurse Educator

Michelle Anderson, BSN, RN
University of Maryland Medical Center (Midtown Campus)
Category: Rehabilitation

Carrie Peterson, BSN, RN
University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center
Category: Surgical

Kimberly Warner, MSN, EN, CCRN
University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center
Category: Intensive Care

Kaitlin Williams, BSN, RN, PCCN
University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center
Category: Cardiovascular

Melissa Cross, BSN, RN, FEA-A/P, CEN *
University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center
Category: Emergency Department

Melissa Grubb, BSN, RN-BC, ONC
University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center
Category: Orthopedics

Sarah Holler, MS, RN, CCRN
University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center
Category: Acute Care / Family Practice / General Medicine

Alison McGonigal, MS, CRNP, AOCNP *
University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Medical Center
Category: Oncology

* Indicates the nurse is also a graduate of the University of Maryland School of Nursing

"The University of Maryland Medical System is known for providing outstanding and compassionate nursing care to our patients, and this recognition is further evidence of that," said Lisa Rowen, DNSc, RN, CENP, FAAN, Chief Nurse Executive for UMMS. "Having 11 nurses across our System considered among "the best of the best" in the Baltimore area is a testament to the difference our nurses make in our patients' lives every day. The fact that our winners were selected based on nominations from their peers, nursing leaders from across the Baltimore region and patients, makes it even more special."

About the University of Maryland Medical System

The University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) is a university-based regional health care system focused on serving the health care needs of Maryland, bringing innovation, discovery and research to the care we provide and educating the state's future physician and health care professionals through our partnership with the University of Maryland School of Medicine and the UM Schools of Nursing, Pharmacy, Social Work and Dentistry in Baltimore. As one of the largest private employers in the State, the health system's 28,000 employees and 4,000 affiliated physicians provide primary and specialty care in more than 150 locations and at 13 hospitals. UMMS' flagship academic campus, the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore is partnered with the University of Maryland School of Medicine and is recognized regionally and nationally for excellence and innovation in specialized care. Our acute care and specialty rehabilitation hospitals serve urban, suburban and rural communities and are located in 13 counties across the State. In addition, UMMS operates health insurance plans serving Medicare and Medicaid members. For more information, visit www.umms.org.

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