From left: PIE Award recipients Jim McKinnon, Paula Barry, Therese Breen, Jonathan Santiago and Patrick Lally

More than 70 individuals from BWH, the Brigham and Women’s Physicians Organization and Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center were honored last month during the 20th annual Partners in Excellence (PIE) Awards. Additionally, 613 members of 38 project teams were recognized, all nominated by their peers. Awardees spanned departments and locations throughout the main and distributed campus.

BWHC President Betsy Nabel, MD, shared words of pride and gratitude with recipients, highlighting their work and dedication to the institution. “You fulfill our mission by providing the best care to our patients and their families, advancing our innovation and discovery through research, training the next generation of health care providers and leaders and serving our local and global communities.”

David McCready, senior vice president of Surgical, Procedural and Imaging Services, served as the ceremony’s emcee and shared his heartfelt thanks to recipients: “Quite simply, you are the reason that we are and will remain one of the finest hospitals in the world.”

Recipients and guests also heard from Paul Nuccio, MS, RRT, FAARC, director of BWH Pulmonary Services, a 2014 PIE award recipient. Nuccio asked attendees to take time to reflect on the positive impact they have on colleagues, as well as patients and families who look to BWH every day for support and healing.

During a special part of the program, the family of Christina Ruth, RN, a NICU nurse who passed away in October, accepted an individual PIE award on her behalf.

NICU nurse and friend Kerri Duggan, RN, spoke briefly about Ruth and her path to BWH, describing her as a “one-of-a-kind Brigham nurse.”

“Christina could instantly make a new mom comfortable leaving her most treasured gift in her hands,” Duggan said. “She could put a nervous father at ease through her genuine interactions and confidence. The way she connected with everyone who came across her path was truly one of her greatest gifts.”

The ceremony, which was held in Bornstein Amphitheater, concluded with a reception in Carrie Hall.