5 nominated for Lutheran’s APP of the Year Award!

Congratulations to these five outstanding advanced practice professionals, nominated by you to win our 2025 APP of the Year Award! The winner will be revealed and all will be celebrated at the Annual Medical Staff Meeting & Dinner in October.

Brook Stevens, NP, Pulmonary Disease: “Brook has been a wonderful clinician in the ICU. She has a calm demeanor, intellectual curiosity and a compassionate nature. She has been a wonderful resource for the nursing staff and for our critically ill patients.”

Debra Ferguson, NP, Cardiovascular Disease: “Deb has spent decades providing consistent, evidence-based with compassion at the center of her practice. She is constantly advocating for health equity and improved outcomes. Even when overbooked, she leads with integrity, resilience and heat. I value her partnership tremendously.”

Margaret Leon, NP, Nephrology: “I have never seen an advanced practitioner excel at their job to the degree that Margaret excels. Her patient care is excellent. She is always kind to her patients and eager to learn complicated nephrology concepts. In all my years of practice, I have never come across an advanced practitioner more deserving of this award.”

RJ Balzen, NP, Internal Medicine: RJ is an extremely competent and caring NP. He demonstrates a great work ethic in the ICU and is an integral part of the team. He demonstrates this day in and day out, caring for patients in the hospital.”

Sadie Thomas, PA, Orthopaedic Surgery: “Sadie has a compassionate approach and her clinical excellence make a meaningful difference every day. She single-handedly created a Journal Club Review for the orthopedic trauma service. This has created discussion among providers and improvement in patient care.”

Three cheers to our five nominees and thank you for your exceptional care and teamwork!