About UI Health

Of the Year Award Recipients

Congratulations to Our Recipients!

It is with great pleasure that UI Health recognizes the people who have been selected as the 2024 Physician, Resident/Fellow, Advanced Practice Provider, and Employee of the Year.

2024 UI Health Award Recipients

UI Health annual award recipients put patients first in all encounters; consistently contribute to the delivery of world-class care; are great inspirations to their colleagues; and personify our core values of Inclusion, Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence.

Physician of the Year 

Leah Finkel, MD
Pediatric Emergency Medicine

Dr. Leah Finkel is a gifted clinical leader, educator, and researcher. She has worked tirelessly with the Departments of Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine, physicians, advanced practice providers, and nursing to ensure the highest quality of emergency care for children. She has served in a number of leadership roles for Emergency Medicine, and she serves as the Physician Champion for UI Health’s Emergency Department Approved for Pediatrics (EDAP) certification. Her contributions to our patients and organization have been made with the greatest of personal care and dedication, and the most wonderful spirit of realistic optimism. As an advisor for the College of Medicine Physician House, she guides medical students through the curriculum and serves as a mentor as they navigate both life and medical school. Dr. Finkel prides herself on the rapport she builds with trainees, fostering relationships and inspiring the next generation of medical providers. 

Advanced Practice Provider of the Year

Mary Pasquinelli, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC
Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep & Allergy

Mary Pasquinelli is a tireless advocate for our patients. Her passion is screening, prevention, and the early detection of lung cancer. This has led her to develop and implement a nurse practitioner-led lung screening program at UI Health, which has garnered national recognition for its excellence, particularly in its ability to provide screening and follow-up services to patients from underrepresented backgrounds. Her commitment to patient care is exemplary, as evidenced by her pivotal role incorporating smoking cessation services into the clinic. She reaches out to other clinicians for their expert opinion by presenting patient cases at the weekly multidisciplinary tumor board. She also explores the choice of clinical trials. Her compassionate approach and unwavering support have made a profound impact on our patients, many of whom express deep gratitude for her care. Mary’s contributions to the field extend beyond her clinical practice. She has published findings in high-impact journals and has presented at both national and international conferences. Her work has set a benchmark in lung cancer screening and has been influential in shaping best practices across the country.

Resident of the Year

Joseph Archer, MD, MPH
Family & Community Medicine

Dr. Joseph Archer is a compassionate and patient-centered physician, a responsible resident, and a thoughtful teacher to interns and medical students. Dr. Archer has always prioritized having his clinic at Mile Square Health Center because of his dedication to working with patients from underserved and minority backgrounds. He finds joy and motivation in helping his patients overcome the barriers that face when trying to reach their health goals. He was part of a resident team that recently expanded the Reach Out & Read Program at Mile Square. This program provides children with a book at each well-child visit, helping to promote early literacy. He also works frequently with The Night Ministry, meeting patients in the community to provide care for substance-use disorders, wound care, and routine health maintenance. Dr. Archer has excellent medical, record keeping, care, patient management, professionalism, and collaboration skills.

Employee of the Year

Joseph Baltao, RN — Staff Nurse I
Dialysis

Joseph Baltao delivers quality patient care, and he takes the initiative to improve patient outcomes by integrating shared leadership, evidence-based practice, relationship-based care, and standard of nursing excellence into clinical practice. He is an excellent problem solver, even during the most challenging circumstances, and his commitment to transparency and honesty ensures that he is always reliable and trustworthy. He is a dependable and highly respected member of our department, collaborating with physicians, dietitians, social workers, and other members of a patient’s care team to ensure we provide the best possible care to our patients. Whether working in a team setting or engaging with our diverse patients, Joe ensures that all voices are heard and that everyone feels supported. He treats everyone with dignity and kindness, and he values the perspectives and experiences of others. Patients have commented that whenever Joseph is around, they feel safer and more assured about their hemodialysis treatment.