Honors a physician whose performance is considered exemplary by patients, peers and other health care providers.

TODD KORNEGAY 

Title: Internal medicine physician   

Organization: Novant Health New Hanover Primary Care

What the nominator said: “I learned recently that Dr. Kornegay has approximately 2,000 patients. Maybe many doctors have this many patients ... but the unique thing about Dr. Kornegay is that HE sees these patients when they schedule appointments. He doesn’t send in a PA or the nurse only.  He meets with his patients (in office or on Zoom appointments). And, he doesn’t rush the visit …

“When my daughter got very ill several years ago, she was misdiagnosed. And was sent to several specialists for possible help. But, NO ONE could figure out what was wrong with her. At the time, Dr. Kornegay wasn’t her doctor but he agreed to see her once he learned of our distress. The minute he looked at her, he diagnosed her and, once medicines were prescribed, she was on the mend. … Once I shared our story with others, I began to learn that Dr. Kornegay is a ‘hero’ to MANY families. Because of the one-on-one attention he affords his patients, his ability to cut to the chase with illnesses, his medical knowledge, and the dedication of his long-time staff, he is a marvel in the medical field.”

– Sandie Loudermilk

LINDSEY PROCHASKA & KRISTOPHER SWIGER

Titles: Co-medical directors

Organization: Novant Health Zimmer Cardio-Oncology Clinic

What the nominator said: “Drs. Lindsey Prochaska, of the Novant Health Cancer Institute, and Kristopher Swiger, of the Novant Health Heart & Vascular Institute have collaborated to create a Cardio-Oncology Clinic, now delivering care to patients in our community at the Novant Health Zimmer Cancer Institute since October 2021. In this clinic, they have applied their particular expertise in preventing and treating the deleterious effects of cancer and cancer therapy on the heart. … This partnership has facilitated more convenient access and care delivery for these cancer patients with over 750 patients seen in the Novant Health Cardio-Oncology Clinic to date.

“The Cardiology and Oncology partnership forged by Drs. Swiger and Prochaska has helped to form relationships with both groups of providers and the Oncology multidisciplinary treatment team which creates collaboration between cardiology and oncology from pre-chemotherapy to survivorship. Cardio-Oncology topics have been presented at Tumor Board meetings as well as Cardiology Grand Rounds, and both directors have appeared on radio and television to raise awareness of the specialty and the programs offered through the Cardio-Oncology Clinic.” 

– Drs. Michael Papagikos and William Smith

BARTON WILLIAMS

Title: Physician

Organization: Wrightsville Beach Family Health

What the nominator said: “Dr. Williams has proven, day in and day out, that he has the fortitude, persistence and most importantly leadership skills to make a difference in our community. He has excellent analytical skills and a good sense about him, which results in him making the right decisions at the right time. Dr. Williams handles every medical situation with thoughtfulness and maturity. I am most impressed with his professionalism and abilities. Plus, he has a wonderful sense of humor. Additionally, for the past two years, he has been involved in COVID trials and research. It is my understanding that his work has been outstanding.”

– Mark Bloomquist

Read more about all of the 2022 Health Care Heroes finalists here.