The annual BizTimes Media Health Care Heroes Awards recognize the heroes among us – people and organizations making an impact on the health and wellness of southeastern Wisconsin in the health care sector. In this special section, we honor their achievements and tell their stories.

The heroes

Advancements in Health Care:

Dr. Katja Kovacic, gastroenterologist, Children’s Wisconsin

Behavioral Health:

Crisis Resource Centers

Dr. Terri deRoon-Cassini, associate professor, Medical College of Wisconsin

Dr. Adel Korkor, founder, AB Korkor Foundation for Mental Health

Community Service:

Monica Hebl, dentist/owner, Burleigh Dental

Joshua Knox, physician assistant/clinical associate professor, Marquette University

Executive Leadership:

Cheryl Maurana, senior vice president of strategic academic partnerships, Medical College of Wisconsin

First Responder:

Ladonna Davis, licensed practical nurse, Community Care

Health Care Staff:

Fabiola De Chico, community health coordinator, Ascension St. Francis Hospital

Bryan D. Lewis, Ph.D., assistant to the dean for health-related professions and director for the Pre-Health Program and Center for Health Sciences, UW-Parkside

Nurse:

Barb Burmeister, registered nurse, Froedtert Hospital

Jeffrey Couillard, registered nurse, Advanced Pain Management

Physician:

Dr. Madelaine Tully, family practice physician, Progressive Community Health Centers

Volunteer:

Dr. Peter Geiss, medical director, Lake Area Free Clinic

Lifetime Achievement:

Martin Schreiber, former governor of Wisconsin, author of “My Two Elaines: Learning, Coping, and Surviving as an Alzheimer’s Caregiver”

Special Impact Award:

Children’s Wisconsin, created national awareness of harmful impact of vaping on teens.

Profiles by Lauren Anderson and Andrew Weiland