Honors a nurse practitioner or physician assistant whose performance is considered exemplary by patients, peers and other health care providers.
GRAHAM BROWN
TITLE: PA-C, Internal Medicine
ORGANIZATION: Wilmington Health
WHAT A NOMINATOR SAID: “Graham Brown comes from generations of Wilmington natives. His family is full of clinical folks. He always had an interest in helping people and also health. His work history in Wilmington has been centered around nursing home and primary care office setting and the hospital. Graham came to us as a geriatrician, and his older patients adore his patient-centered care and bed-side manner. However, he’s expanded his practice to patients 18+ at Wilmington Health ...
“His nurse said, ‘I have worked with Graham as a nurse for around 6 years and there has never been a situation that he can’t figure out with his resources, brilliant mind and kind full heart. Watching him interact with patients and their family, other clinical staff and even a stranger is the reason he has become such a staple in the community and in the health care field. I am biased because he means so much to me every day but there are very few occasions that I mention his name and the person I am speaking with has nothing but positive things to say about him.’”
– Alexis Hunter, executive, strategic relationships and foundation, Wilmington Health
TAMI MARTIN
TITLE: PA-C
ORGANIZATION: Novant Health Heart & Vascular Institute
WHAT A NOMINATOR SAID: “Tami Martin embodies the very spirit of a health care hero. Since joining our team, she has thrown herself wholeheartedly into caring for our heart failure patients, navigating complex cases with both expertise and compassion. She is never afraid to advocate fiercely for her patients, asking probing questions, challenging plans when necessary and always ensuring that their voices are heard. Her dedication goes beyond the typical workday; she is often the first to volunteer to see extra patients or come in on her day off.
“Tami’s patients feel her commitment in every interaction. They consistently remark on her attentiveness, patience and ability to explain complex medical issues in a way that makes them feel informed and supported. Her colleagues share the same admiration – she inspires trust and camaraderie, making everyone around her better by example. Tami approaches every challenge with unwavering dedication, whether it’s a difficult clinical case or a new initiative within the practice. She leads with heart, skill and a work ethic that sets a standard for everyone in the clinic.”
– John Rommel, Novant Health Heart & Vascular Institute
MICHAEL PINTO
TITLE: FNP-C, Outpatient Palliative Care
ORGANIZATION: Lower Cape Fear LifeCare
WHAT A NOMINATOR SAID: “In February 2023, Michael Pinto joined Lower Cape Fear LifeCare as a palliative care nurse practitioner. Since then, he has consistently demonstrated professionalism, compassion and dedication that patients and their families deeply value. Many have shared how his calm presence and attentive listening made them feel truly heard during difficult illness journeys.
“One event in particular demonstrates the extraordinary lengths Michael will go for the safety and well-being of those he serves. Arriving early for a scheduled home visit, Michael found the patient’s residence engulfed in smoke and flames. Without hesitation, he entered the home, located the patient in distress and carried her to safety, delivering her directly into the care of first responders. Because of his quick thinking, courage and selflessness, the patient’s life was saved.
“This act of bravery reflects Michael’s commitment to those he serves.”
– Heather Boykin, director of community-based palliative medicine, Lower Cape Fear LifeCare
Read more about all of the 2025 Health Care Heroes finalists here.
