Honors anyone working in health care who may not fit in other categories but whose performance is considered exemplary by patients, colleagues and other health care providers.
MEGAN CLARKE
TITLE: Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner
ORGANIZATION: Novant Health Heart & Vascular Institute
WHAT A NOMINATOR SAID: “Dr. Megan Clarke is a Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner (CPP) with the Heart & Vascular Institute, bringing advanced training that allows her to collaborate with physicians beyond the traditional pharmacist role. Dr. Clarke has been instrumental in establishing the first Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) Center of Excellence in Wilmington – the first of its kind outside of the two major academic medical centers in the state.
“She played a key role in developing protocols for initiating intravenous prostacyclins in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit – a lifesaving therapy that was not available prior to her arrival. Although primarily clinic-based, Dr. Clarke regularly volunteers her time at the end of the day to visit the ICU, ensuring that patients are fully educated on their new therapy and that the initiation process runs smoothly.
“In addition, she works closely with patients between physician visits to manage adverse effects of PH medications and to assist with dose titration. Every patient who interacts with her recognizes her as an invaluable member of their care team.”
– Lisa J. Rose-Jones, advanced heart failure and pulmonary hypertension cardiologist, Novant Health Heart & Vascular Institute
MICHAEL JOYNER
TITLE: Building Operations-Courier
ORGANIZATION: Wilmington Health
WHAT A NOMINATOR SAID: “As a patient courier for Wilmington Health, Michael Joyner does far more than shuttle patients to and from our midtown clinic – he transforms what could be a frustrating or stressful experience into one filled with care and dignity. Our parking lot presents significant challenges for those with mobility issues. Every day, Michael ensures that patients can safely and comfortably get from their cars to the building and back, often transporting an average of 200 passengers a day. In doing so, he has quietly become an essential part of the patient experience.
“But Michael’s contributions go well beyond his official role. He has changed flat tires in the parking lot, jumped dead car batteries and even assisted emergency personnel when unexpected situations arise. Time and again, Michael steps in where help is needed, easing burdens and turning difficult moments into reminders that kindness still exists. His reliability and willingness to go above and beyond makes a meaningful difference for our patients, providers and staff every single day.”
– Ian Tooley, director of facility services, Wilmington Health
JACK MORRIS
TITLE: Outreach Coordinator
ORGANIZATION: Wilmington Downtown Inc./Block by Block
WHAT A NOMINATOR SAID: “Jack Morris has been the cornerstone of our community’s unsheltered homeless street outreach efforts since he began his role in 2021. Caring for over 130 high-needs, medically fragile adults on his caseload at any given time, Jack is truly a lifeline for our community’s most marginalized neighbors. These individuals are often facing a combination of disability, severe and persistent mental illness and/or acute and chronic physical conditions. These challenges, exacerbated greatly by unsheltered living, prevent these neighbors from accessing stable housing and employment, which further prevents improving their health.
“Jack spends every hour of his work week on the ground, walking miles each day to work with his clients, help meet their daily needs, connect them to other services, and, most importantly, help them identify safe and affordable housing opportunities…. I (and countless other service providers) can share stories of an unsheltered neighbor finally accessing Medicaid/Medicare, visiting a nonprofit clinic, getting dentures, stabilizing their blood sugar and getting back to work …”
– Liz Carbone, nominating on behalf of Continuum of Care
Read more about all of the 2025 Health Care Heroes finalists here.
