Two FoundCare, Inc. Employees Winners Of
Palm Beach County Medical Society’s Prestigious “Heroes in Medicine” Award
(West Palm Beach, Fla.) – Two employees of FoundCare, Inc., a nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Center, are winners of the prestigious “Heroes in Medicine” award. The honors, presented by Palm Beach County Medical Society, will be presented April 21, 2017 to individuals and organizations throughout Palm Beach County that use their skills and resources in the field of health care to provide outstanding services for the people of local, national and global communities.
Pascal Gedeon, PA was named a “Hero” in the “Health Care Provider (non Physician)” category as a physician assistant for his tireless work to provide services to the underserved. “As an infectious disease specialist, his dedication to his clients is so strong, many will wait longer just to see him rather than get care from another provider who is available sooner,” said Yolette Bonnet, CEO of FoundCare, Inc. “Because Mr. Gedeon’s dedication to his service extends beyond the direct medical care he provides to his patients, he also collaborates closely with FoundCare’s staff nurses and medical assistants, as well as each patient’s case manager and peer mentor, in order to ensure the highest quality and most comprehensive level of care coordination possible. As a result, he has helped to maintain the health and extend the lives of hundreds of low-income, HIV-positive individuals.”
Mr. Gedeon is a hero to many of the patients he serves because his care does not end when they leave the examination room. “They become part of my life,” he explained. “When I go home, I think about how to help them and how to minimize their side effects using the medications that are available.”
“In addition to the patient care he provides, he is currently mentoring a FoundCare employee who is interested in becoming a physician assistant, and is considering teaching health sciences or HIV care to students studying to become physician assistants,” Bonnet explained.
Dr. Rik Pavlescak, Ph.D., has been named a Hero in the “Bruce Rendina Professional Hero” category, which focuses on an individual whose profession is an integral part of the healthcare system, but is not a direct provider of patient care. Dr. Pavlescak, FoundCare’s Chief Operating Officer, joined the operation in 1989 as a volunteer and rose through the ranks thanks to his talent and dedication. In his current role, he oversees FoundCare’s social services functions, administration, procurement and facilities management, communications and events departments.
“He is committed to ensuring the highest degree of quality throughout the agency, remaining hands-on in each department,” said Bonnet. “He has even sat in the waiting room to observe staff interaction and monitor patient wait times, engaging in conversations with patients to gauge their satisfaction level. That shows unmatched devotion.”
Dr. Pavlescak recently began mentoring younger employees to help enhance their professional skills and create a stronger foundation for a productive career in public health. For six years, Dr. Pavlescak participated in the Southern Most AIDS/HIV Ride (SMART Ride), a 165-mile bike ride from Miami to Key West. “I want to make a real and significant difference in the lives of those infected, affected and at risk for HIV/AIDS,” Dr. Pavlescak said. “I am humbled to have been considered for this prestigious award, and so honored to be an honoree in this distinguished category.”
“We couldn’t be more proud of having not one, but two Heroes,” Bonnet continued. “It’s truly a testament to the quality of work FoundCare is doing and our dedication to greatness. We are grateful to Palm Beach County Medical Society Services for recognizing the talent at FoundCare.”
FoundCare, Inc., located at 2330 S. Congress Ave in Palm Springs, is a nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Center that offers pediatric and adult primary care, chronic disease management, behavioral health services, dentistry, laboratory services and X-rays, and an on-site pharmacy, all in one location. FoundCare accepts most insurance plans, Medicaid, Medicare and self-pay on a sliding fee scale that is based on income and family size. For more information about FoundCare, please call 561-HEALTHY (561-432-5849) or visit www.foundcare.org.
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