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Pictured left to right: Randy Castillo, chief executive, Providence St. Mary Medical Center; Venkat Devineni, M.D., Physician Champion; John Kozyra, chief philanthropy office

Pictured left to right: Randy Castillo, chief executive, Providence St. Mary Medical Center; John Yashou, D.O., Physician Champion; John Kozyra, chief philanthropy officer
“Our experience at St. Mary’s was great. My son was very happy with his care, which is saying a lot considering he’s an RRT. He was thankful for the care he received.”
Physician Champion Award Dinner 2022
Twenty-one clinicians across Providence Southern California were recently recognized at the inaugural Physician Champion Award Dinner on May 5 for their significant contributions to building a culture of philanthropy at their medical campuses.
The award acknowledged select Providence Southern California physicians for their commitment to philanthropy and medical care. Each ministry nominated two physicians from their respective organizations to be honored, including nominees from the Orange County and High Desert Physician Enterprise.
“These physicians take their expertise and commitment to health care beyond the bedside. They are true philanthropy ambassadors by communicating the positive impact patients can have on health care in our community,” says Kevin Manemann, chief executive, Providence St. Joseph Health, Southern California.
Providence St. Mary Medical Center Foundation was proud to recognize Venkat Devineni, M.D., and John Yashou, D.O., as the first to receive the 2022 Physician Champion Award. Their passion for philanthropy inspires the next generation of physicians, representing the importance of a strong partnership between Providence St. Mary Medical Center and its Foundation.
“Our physician colleagues are among the most essential partners our philanthropy team has,” says John Kozyra, chief philanthropy officer. “Every day we are grateful for their clinical expertise, compassion and dedication to our mission. It is because of their passion in caring for others that we have been able to create healthier communities.”
Congratulations Dr. Devineni and Dr. Yashou for being honored as Providence St. Mary’s 2022 Physician Champions.
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Navigating the Cancer Journey
When Jane was diagnosed with breast cancer, Nurse Navigator Angela Acevedo became her advocate, guide and support -- from the initial meeting with the oncologist to the final chemotherapist treatment. I will never forget all the ways Angela helped me through a very difficult time in my life,” reflects Jane.
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Minutes that make a difference
Michael Lora woke up not knowing he would be fighting for his life later that day. Within hours he was being transported to St. Joseph Hospital Emergency Care Center. He was immediately met by a team of nurses and doctors, including Dr. Peter Smethurst who recommended antibiotics which ended up saving his life.
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The heart of the matter
“I was a ticking time bomb. A heart attack waiting to happen.” Carrol was informed she needed immediate bypass surgery, but a rare genetic disorder would make it unsafe to perform. That’s when St. Joseph Hospital came through with a new, minimally invasive technique.
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Giving from the heart and home
Now retired, Drs. Amin decided they were at the right time in their lives to downsize, but more importantly, to give back to the community they cherished in a significant way. Their extraordinary generosity will help fund Nursing Excellence and Behavioral Health.
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A life devoted to caring
Shirley Moretti, a donor and friend, said it best. “When we focus on others, we learn about ourselves.” Giving back to others was one of her greatest joys in life — it filled her heart and inspired countless others to follow in her footsteps.
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One of the best ever
More than 300 golfers enjoyed a day that included two 18-hole courses of golf and raised more than $405,000 in support of the St. Joseph Hospital’s Cardiovascular Program.
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A record-breaking event
Supported by Marsha Moeller and presented by Centaurus Financial, Inc. and The Gooding-Barry and Immell Families, Celebration 2019 raised a record-breaking $676,000 for the Nursing Center of Excellence while celebrating 90 years of healing at St. Joseph Hospital.
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“As we plan for the next five years, we know we can count on the community to partner with us to provide access to new and improved services,” says Nicole Orr, chief philanthropy officer, Providence St. Mary Medical Center Foundation.
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