Honors a physician whose performance is considered exemplary by patients, peers and other healthcare providers
ANDRE LEONARD
TITLE: Physician/Medical director
ORGANIZATION: Intracoastal Internal Medicine/Cape Fear HealthNet
WHAT A NOMINATOR SAID: Andre Leonard co-founded Intracoastal Internal Medicine in 2006 with physician Chris Cosgrove and has served as medical director of nonprofit organization Cape Fear HealthNet since 2015, overseeing its specialty referral program. The program includes a network of over 200 specialty care providers, recruited by Leonard, who donate their services to Cape Fear HealthNet patients.
“Colleagues, co-workers and patients consistently describe Dr. Leonard as a gifted, compassionate, intelligent and innovative clinician devoted to exceptional care.
Dr. Chris Cosgrove, his IIM partner, said, ‘Under Dr. Leonard’s direction, IIM has transformed Wilmington’s internal medicine landscape by developing systems to analyze patient care. His patients trust him deeply and feel exceptionally well cared for. Despite his dedication to medicine, he has raised a wonderful family and competes in several Ironman events each year. He is an innovative, caring and dedicated physician – and a very, very special person.’”
- Leslie Smiley, executive director, Cape Fear HealthNet
BRYAN LOTICI
TITLE: Physician
ORGANIZATION: Wilmington Health
WHAT A NOMINATOR SAID: He “exemplifies the qualities of a dedicated physician who is committed not only to caring for his patients but also to improving the health and well-being of the broader community. As a family medicine physician at Wilmington Health, Dr. Lotici provides comprehensive, patient-centered care with a strong emphasis on prevention, long-term wellness, and helping patients feel empowered to take an active role in their health.
Dr. Lotici’s commitment to compassionate and accessible healthcare has been shaped by experiences serving diverse and underserved populations. Prior to joining Wilmington Health, he provided care for unhoused individuals through Turning Points in Florida and participated in medical outreach efforts in Brazil. …
Fluent in both English and Spanish, Dr. Lotici previously worked as a medical interpreter, giving him a unique perspective on the importance of clear communication and ensuring patients feel heard and understood. He brings that same approach into his practice today, taking the time to listen to patients, understand their individual circumstances and work with them to make informed decisions about their health.”
- Desirae Hrynko, marketing manager, Wilmington Health
ROC MCCARTHY
TITLE: Urologist, Advanced Urology-Center for Robotic Surgery
ORGANIZATION: Columbus Regional Medical Center
WHAT A NOMINATOR SAID: “For 17 years, Dr. Roc A. McCarthy has provided exceptional urologic care to patients throughout Southeastern North Carolina, combining clinical excellence, innovation and compassion to improve the lives of thousands of individuals and families. Throughout his career, he has become one of the region’s most respected physicians and a trusted advocate for patient-centered care.
As a board-certified, robotically trained urologist and medical director of Columbus Regional Healthcare System’s Advanced Urology - Center for Robotic Surgery, part of Atrium Health’s managed network, Dr. McCarthy has performed thousands of minimally invasive robotic procedures during his tenure. His commitment to bringing innovative care to the region is exemplified by his leadership in implementing MRI Fusion (MR Fusion) prostate biopsy technology, significantly improving the accuracy of prostate cancer detection and diagnosis for local patients. In addition, he has advanced access to minimally invasive treatment options for prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia. … Through these efforts, Dr. McCarthy has helped establish Advanced Urology in Leland as a destination for advanced urologic care.” …
– Jason Beck, CEO, Columbus Regional Medical Center
Read more about all of the 2026 Health Care Heroes finalists
here.
