4 nominated for Saint Joseph 2025 APP of the Year Award!

Congratulations to the four advanced practice professionals nominated by colleagues to win the 2025 APP of the Year Award! They are listed below along with excerpts from their nominations.

Caylee Irvin, PA, Bariatric Surgery: “Caylee is the glue that keeps our clinical practice functioning. She is constantly seeking opportunities to improve patient care and our weight-loss and reflux programs. She collaborates with our residents and inpatient colleagues and has great relationships with the referring providers who care for our patients in the outpatient setting.”

Gwen Kellogg, NP, Thoracic Surgery: “Gwen excels beyond her experience. She is warm at the bedside and confident with her clinical decisions. She collaborates with other teams with kindness and professionalism. She is the face of the heart surgery team. Our patients return for their post-operative visit often thanking Gwen for her care during their stay.”

Ryan Kemp, PA, General Surgery: “Ryan’s enthusiasm to learn, motivate others and keep everyone on his team moving forward inspires us all. The surgery patients all know they can rely on him, that he is their advocate and a key part of their healthcare team.”

Joanna Oomkes, PA, Thoracic & Cardiac Surgery: “Jo practices cardiac surgery from the heart. She is hard working and dedicated, easy to approach, and works well with all staff. During transition times within the program, she has stepped up to fill coverage gaps and has taken call more than expected. She embodies what an APP of the Year should look like.”

Congratulations to these exceptional practitioners, and thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination so they could receive this well-earned recognition! The winner of the 2025 APP of the Year Award will be announced and all nominees will be celebrated at the 2025 Medical Staff Meeting & Dinner. Saint Joseph physicians, APPs, residents and their guests are invited! Click the button below to RSVP today.