Aaron I. Vinik MD, Ph.D. Director of research and neuroendocrine unit, Eastern Virginia Medical School Strelitz Diabetes Center

Posted: February 18, 2011

Health Care Hero Leader

A cure for diabetes?

It's not a question of if.

It's a question of when.

And it might be sooner than later.

That's the assertion of Dr. Aaron Vinik, director of research and neuroendocrine unit at the Eastern Virginia Medical School Strelitz Diabetes Center, who says that he has no doubt that scientists are on the verge of curing the disease.

Christopher A. Hooper DDS Cosmetic dentist, Christopher A. Hooper DDS Associates Ltd., Virginia Beach

Posted: February 18, 2011

Health Care Hero Physician Dentist

Dr. Christopher A. Hooper says he's no hero. While he has stepped up in recent years to help people in need of reconstructive dental services, Hooper insists that the patients who overcome tragedy are the true heroes.

When a young man was severely beaten and left for dead in Portsmouth, he was referred to Hooper for dental reconstruction without the insurance or the funds to pay for the service.

Dilip K. Sarkar MD Vascular surgeon, retired, Norfolk

Posted: February 18, 2011

Health Care Hero Physician - Surgeon

Dr. Dilip K. Sarkar's 52nd birthday in 2001 changed his life. He wasn't feeling well that day and was examined by a colleague who discovered that he was having a heart attack.

Sarkar needed bypass surgery, but contrary to the stereotype that a doctor is a terrible patient, he didn't ask questions or look at test results or analyze the procedures.

"I surrendered," he said.

It may have been a sign that Sarkar was finding a pathway to peace.

Gail Grisetti PT, Ed.D. Associate professor, Old Dominion University, Norfolk

Posted: February 18, 2011

Health Care Hero Staff

Colleagues of Gail Grisetti PT, Ed.D. consider her a tireless and enthusiastic leader.

For almost 10 years, Grisetti, a physical therapist and associate professor at Old Dominion University, has volunteered with Physicians for Peace, a nonprofit organization that sends health care professionals to undeveloped countries to provide clinical services.

Karen Bray RN, Ph.D. Vice president of clinical care services, Optima Health

Posted: February 18, 2011

Health Care Hero - Advancements in Wellness

A few years ago Sentara Healthcare was challenged by the rising costs of providing health care to its 20,000 employees. Data showed that 20 percent of them produced 80 percent of those costs.

And so, in 2008, under the guidance of Karen Bray, the health care system, in partnership with Optima Health, its health insurance division, launched Mission: Health, in the hope that reducing company costs while improving employee health would not be a mission impossible.

Krista Dobbie MD Medical director, Sentara Medical Group Palliative Care Program

Posted: February 18, 2011

Health Care Hero for Advancements in Wellness

Palliative care, which focuses on reducing the severity of symptoms, may sound like the toughest care to give because it is often used to treat the terminally ill.
Dr. Krista Dobbie would like to correct two misconceptions.

First, palliative care is not just hospice care; it is often carried out in conjunction with life-sustaining treatment. And secondly, though her job as head of Sentara’s palliative care program may sound depressing, it isn’t.

Roger W. Newsom MD Ophthalmologist, Tidewater Eye Centers, Virginia Beach

Posted: February 18, 2011

Health Care Hero Eye Physician

Dr. Roger W. Newsom wanted to be a pro golfer, but as fate would have it, his attention turned to medicine.

He was a sophomore at East Carolina University on a golf scholarship when his mother was diagnosed with terminal breast cancer. He was exposed to medicine and became interested in being a doctor.

He was also dating a young lady whose father was an ophthalmologist. He applied to medical school and watched his now-wife's father perform cataract surgery.