EMPLOYEES RECOGNIZED FOR CREATING EXCEPTIONAL EXPERIENCES FOR PATIENTS, VISITORS AND COLLEAGUES
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Feb. 16, 2026) – Last week, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH) proudly honored outstanding colleagues at its annual ICARE Promise Banquet, recognizing team members who exemplify the organization’s core values of Integrity, Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Excellence.
Award Winners Pictured Left to Right: Dr. Steven Medvid, Erica Anders, India Rhodes, Lisa Jones, Michael Rudd (Not pictured: Nic Wagner)
The ICARE Awards celebrate colleagues who go above and beyond their daily responsibilities to create exceptional experiences for patients, visitors and fellow colleagues. Nominations are submitted throughout the year and highlight moments of compassion and service that leave a lasting impact.
“ICARE is more than an acronym – it’s the foundation of how we care for our patients, their families and one another,” said Ryan Smith, President of TMH. “It’s a privilege to work alongside these professionals. They set the standard for excellence and inspire all of us to be better.”
This year’s ICARE award recipients include:
- Steven Medvid, MD, Hospitalist, TMH Physician Partners, recognized for providing life-saving medical care during in-flight emergencies on two separate occasions.
- Erica Anders, RN, Vogter Neuro Trauma ICU, honored for stepping in without hesitation to assist a patient outside of her assignment, demonstrating teamwork and compassion.
- Nic Wagner, RN, TMH Physician Partners – Urgent Care in Panama City Beach, recognized for delivering exceptional, patient-centered care that turned an urgent situation into a reassuring experience.
- India Rhodes, Digital Marketing Strategist, honored for assisting a visually impaired guest by personally ensuring he could safely obtain a meal and return to his destination.
- Lisa Jones, RRT, Respiratory Therapy Supervisor, recognized for her extraordinary dedication and hands-on care for a critically ill patient.
The evening’s highest honor, the Caring Hands Award, was presented to Michael Rudd, CCC-SLP, Rehab Acute Care Speech Therapist.
Michael Rudd receives a check as part of his award as the Caring Hands Award Winner
Michael was recognized for exceptional compassion in caring for a patient who had recently experienced a stroke, resulting in the inability to swallow. The patient had been discharged and faced significant barriers, including lack of insurance. Michael went far above and beyond in his job duties to help support them, including visiting their home 3-4 times per week for over a month to help them regain the ability to swallow.
His actions made a life-changing difference for this patient. With 16 years of service at TMH, Michael is known for his humility, dedication and unwavering focus on patient-centered care.
Celebrating a Culture of Excellence
In addition to ICARE award recipients, the organization also honored DAISY Award recipients. Tamra Giordano, RN, Nurse Engagement Advisor, received the Lifetime Achievement Award, and Jennifer Barber, RN, Nurse Manager, received the Nurse Leader Award.
Tamra Giordano (left) and Jennifer Barber are recognized for their contributions to nursing at TMH.
The ICARE Promise Banquet celebrates the individuals who turn our values into action each day, proving that TMH’s mission is carried forward by the dedication of its people.
