Westchester Magazine names 2026 Healthcare Heroes

By AI, Created 10:02 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – Westchester Magazine has announced its 2026 Healthcare Heroes, honoring 12 physicians, nurses, administrators and advocates across Westchester County. The awards luncheon is set for May 14 at Mulino’s at Lake Isle, and the honorees are also featured in the May 2026 issue.

Why it matters: - The Healthcare Heroes program highlights the people shaping patient care, rehabilitation, mental health and community health across Westchester County. - The 2026 class reflects a broad mix of clinical, operational and nonprofit leadership in the region’s healthcare system. - The recognition also spotlights institutions and community groups that rely on collaboration to expand access and improve care.

What happened: - Westchester Magazine announced its 2026 Healthcare Heroes on May 5, 2026. - The program is now in its 13th year. - The honorees will be recognized at an awards luncheon on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at Mulino’s at Lake Isle from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. - The 2026 class includes 12 honorees across medicine, rehabilitation, neuroscience, surgery, psychology, advocacy and hospital leadership.

The details: - The honorees are Dr. Fawaz Al-Mufti, neurologist at Westchester Medical Center / New York Medical College; Jamillah Blair, vice president of community relations and program development at Choice of New Rochelle; and Danielle Butin, founder and CEO of Afya. - The list also includes Brittney Cintron-Owens, director of the Montefiore Einstein Command Center; Joanna French, program coordinator and volunteers for Trails Without Limits; and Dr. Jason Hawksworth, chief of hepatobiliary surgery and director of the Robotic Liver Surgery Program at New York-Presbyterian / Columbia University Irving Medical Center. - Additional honorees are Dr. Alan Kadish, cardiac electrophysiologist at New York Medical College / Touro University; Alyssa Klein, administrative director of rehabilitation at NewYork-Presbyterian Westchester and New York-Presbyterian The One; and Dr. Liane Nelson, chief psychologist at Westchester Jewish Community Services. - The final honorees are Dr. Rafael Ortiz, executive director of neurosciences at White Plains Hospital; Michael N. Rosenblut, president and CEO of Parker Jewish Institute for Healthcare and Rehabilitation; and Dr. Erika Trovato, associate chief medical officer at Burke Rehabilitation. - Honorees were selected through a competitive nomination and blind judging process using submissions from peers, patients and community members. - The program is supported by Montefiore Health System, White Plains Hospital, NewYork-Presbyterian, Burke Rehabilitation Hospital, Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation, WMCHealth, Shark Creative, Tesla, The Peak 107.1 FM and WHUD 100.7 FM. - The honorees are also featured in the May 2026 issue of Westchester Magazine.

Between the lines: - The awards program functions as both a recognition platform and a regional healthcare networking event. - Westchester Magazine is using the Healthcare Heroes franchise to reinforce its role as a local lifestyle and community brand with ties to major health systems and sponsors. - The breadth of honorees suggests the magazine is recognizing care delivery as a team effort, not just individual clinical achievement.

What’s next: - Westchester Magazine will honor the 2026 class at the May 14 luncheon. - The magazine will continue showcasing the honorees’ stories and impact in its May 2026 issue. - The event will bring together healthcare leaders, community stakeholders and supporters for the annual celebration.

The bottom line: - Westchester Magazine is putting a countywide spotlight on the people and institutions driving care in Westchester, with 12 honorees set to be celebrated this month.