US Oncology Honors Texas Nurse With 2004 Betsy York Award
HOUSTON, May 25, 2004 – US Oncology has named Michelle Grodi, R.N., O.C.N., as the 2004 recipient of the Betsy York Memorial Oncology Certified Nurse of the Year Award. The award recognizes her extraordinary contributions to patients, profession and community.
Grodi, an oncology nurse at Texas Oncology, P.A. Harris Center HEB in Bedford, Texas, was presented with the fourth-annual award at US Oncology’s recent Clinical Leadership Council meeting.
“I don’t think anyone becomes a nurse for awards or even recognition, so this is overwhelming,” said Grodi. “My focus is on being an advocate for my patients, making sure their physical, emotional and financial needs are identified, and helping them access the many support services available for them to successfully complete their cancer treatment journey.”
The selection committee cited Grodi for her courage, determination and character. Grodi, a graduate of Tarrent County College, earned oncology certification in 1998 and has served as a nurse at Harris Center HEB since 1999. She is president-elect of the Fort Worth Oncology Nursing Society.
The other finalists for this year’s award were Diane Fisher, R.N., O.C.N., of New York Oncology Hematology – Rexford, and Carolyn Ciak, R.N., O.C.N., of Arkansas Oncology Associates in Little Rock, Ark.
“This recognition is for Michelle and the rest of our oncology nurses who have a profound and positive impact on patient care throughout the US Oncology network,” said George Morgan, executive vice president and chief operating officer, US Oncology. “Betsy York was an inspiration to all of us in the way she cared for the whole patient – body, mind and spirit – and we are proud to recognize Michelle for carrying that legacy forward.”
The US Oncology Betsy York Award is an annual award that recognizes excellence in oncology nursing. Nominated by peers in the US Oncology network, recipients of the Betsy York Award demonstrate exceptional dedication to cancer care and determination to help cancer patients.
The award is named in honor of Betsy York, who was an oncology nurse at the Cancer Centers of the Carolinas in Greenville, S.C., a US Oncology affiliate. She had a key role in production of the US Oncology/Oncology Nursing Society award-winning video “America’s Oncology Nurses.”
This year, the US Oncology Betsy York Award coincides with Oncology Nursing Month, which recognizes oncology nurses, educates the public about oncology nursing and celebrates the accomplishments of oncology nurses. With nearly 2,000 professional registered nurses practicing in US Oncology-affiliated practices across America, the US Oncology network maintains a low nurse-to-patient ratio, which translates into patients receiving personalized attention and the highest quality care.
About US Oncology, Inc.
US Oncology, headquartered in Houston, Texas, is America’s premier cancer-care services company. The company provides comprehensive services to a network of affiliated practices – comprised of more than 875 affiliated physicians in over 470 sites, including 80 outpatient cancer centers – in 32 states, with the mission of expanding access to and improving the quality of cancer care in local communities and advancing the delivery of care.