The UConn John Dempsey Hospital Annual Awards of Excellence, sponsored by the hospital’s Medical Staff, honor individuals whose exceptional performance exceeds expectations and significantly contributes to the success of UConn Health’s clinical operations.

The 2024 recipients are honored for their exceptional dedication to patient care, passion for their roles, and collaborative efforts with the hospital’s medical staff.  Medical staff submit nominations, and the John Dempsey Hospital Medical Board makes the final selection.

Physician Award of Excellence

Physician Award of Excellence recipient Dr. Alise Frallicciardi, Emergency Medicine, is an exceptional leader who embodies compassion, strength, and genuine care. She consistently prioritizes the department, ensuring fairness in her interactions with everyone—from doctors and PAs to RNs and MAs. Her authenticity and ability to balance all aspects of her role have transformed the Emergency Department (ED) into a highly successful, efficient, and collegial environment. Her leadership makes working in the ED not only productive but truly enjoyable. She was nominated by John Yaylagul, MD.

Physician Community Outreach Award

Physician Community Outreach Award recipient, Dr. Victoria Forbes, is a Hematologist/Oncologist in the Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center. She is passionate about trainee education and proudly serves as the associate program director of the Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program. She directs UConn’s first Global Oncology Program aiming to build bidirectional connections and improve Global Oncology education. Between 2020 and 2024, the Global Oncology and Disparities of Care virtual series had participants from 32 states and 18 countries and counting.  Dr. Forbes supervises the UConn residents and Fellows as they care for patients in Uganda, and she teaches the first Oncology Fellows in Rwanda. This summer she raised $41,000 to help educate the next generation of oncologists. Her work connects and serves her community, both at home and abroad.  In October 2024, she was recognized for her substantial contribution to her community through volunteer efforts by being awarded the ‘Volunteerism and Community Service Award’ by the Connecticut Chapter of the American College of Physicians.

PA Award of Excellence

The PA Award of Excellence recipient is Ali Alkabasi, the first PA to work in the Division of Otolaryngology. Originally trained as a general surgeon in his home country, Ali has demonstrated remarkable perseverance in navigating the medical system here in the United States. Ali was a surgical tech in the operating room at UConn Health and given his extensive surgical training and experience, it was no surprise that he was exceptional in this role. Seeking greater responsibility and a better way to support his family, Ali decided to pursue PA school and upon graduation expressed and interest in joining the Otolaryngology Division.  Ali’s intelligence and motivation have been evident as he quickly mastered the complexities of running an otolaryngology clinic. He brings a consistently positive and collegial attitude to work, and now, with the addition of a second PA, he has taken an active role in the training process.

He embodies the very best of UConn Health. Having served in multiple roles within our institution, he exemplifies humility, determination, and teamwork while providing outstanding patient care. Ali was nominated by Todd Falcone, MD.

APRN Award of Excellence

APRN Award of Excellence recipient is Meghann Marvin, an APRN in Internal Medicine who provides care in the outpatient primary care clinic. Meghann provides exceptional care to our patients with remarkable attention to detail, ensuring that all care gaps and health maintenance needs are addressed, while also managing any acute concerns. Many of Dr. Jennifer Ozimek’s patients who have been cared for by Meghann have personally reached out to express their gratitude, sharing that they felt they received outstanding care. Her compassionate and caring approach puts patients at ease, and she consistently advocates for their best interests. We are incredibly fortunate to have Meghann as part of our UConn Health team. Meghann was nominated by Jennifer Ozimek, MD.

Other Award of Excellence

Other Award of Excellence recipient is Brianna Kyle, MA in the Endocrinology Clinic.  Brianna is the epitome of kindness, compassion, efficiency, and professionalism. She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure all issues are addressed, providing exceptional support to both patients and her physician team. Her ability to anticipate potential challenges and proactively prevent them is remarkable. Brianna works tirelessly behind the scenes, never seeking recognition, yet her impact is undeniable. She is truly extraordinary! Brianna is nominated by Parvathy Madhavan, MD.