Help us celebrate our advanced practice providers (APPs) during National APP Week, September 22-26! Each year, this national observance honors physician assistants, nurse practitioners, certified registered nurse anesthetists, clinical nurse specialists, certified nurse midwives, and behavioral therapists.
We’re so grateful for the APPs across Kettering Health who bring their best each day for our patients and communities. Do you know an APP you’d like to thank? Share a message of appreciation here.
Because of their commitment to their patients, several of our APPs have been nominated for national APP Week awards, which celebrate the achievements and contributions of APPs to healthcare throughout the country. Check out excerpts of their nominations from peers and leaders below.
APP Rising Star: Janna Starkey, PA-C
“Janna Starkey shines as a phenomenal Advanced Practice Provider whose dedication, expertise, and warmth elevate every corner of her office. Known for her unwavering support and willingness to lend a hand, Janna manages a full schedule with grace and efficiency—never compromising the quality of care or communication. Her patients and colleagues alike value her for her clarity, compassion, and reliability. Whether she’s troubleshooting a challenge or simply checking in, Janna brings a level of professionalism and heart that makes her truly irreplaceable. She’s the kind of teammate who reminds everyone why APPs are vital to healthcare.”
Emerging Leader: Joe Drapalik, APRN-CRNA
“Joe is a master of his craft, consistently demonstrating expertise across the full spectrum of clinical anesthesia practice. From complex cases to routine outpatient procedures, Joe’s depth of knowledge and steady presence instill confidence in everyone around him.”
“What truly sets Joe apart, however, is his quiet leadership behind the scenes. He does not seek recognition or spotlight, but instead leads through consistent action, integrity, and a calm, grounded presence that others naturally look to. Whether managing a critical situation or helping to smooth out the daily flow of a busy OR schedule, Joe’s influence is subtle but profoundly felt. He is the kind of teammate who shows up early, stays late if needed, and ensures everyone around him is supported and prepared.”
APP of the Year: Kent Palmer, NP
“Overall, Kent is an amazing nurse practitioner with many years experience and we at Kettering Hamilton are so very lucky to have him in our emergency department and on our team. Kent’s sacrifices for his team, his collaborative teamwork, and his desire to help his patients are just a few of the many reasons he is the most appropriate nominee for APP of the year.”
“He is one of the most caring souls who will sacrifice his own schedule for his team and is 1000% there to help his patients get through whatever brings them through our door. He is a pleasure to work with and is always attempting to do more for our team.”
APP Team of the Year: ICU/Critical Care – Amanda Adams, APRN; Julie Garvey, APRN; Kaitlyn Copeland, APRN; Lucy Xayathone, A{RM; Wendy Fields, APRN; Corinna Bayes, APRN; Stephen Langley, APRN
“When the APP team is short staffed, they pull together and make sure that all shifts are covered so that the ICU is not left without a provider and are always thinking about putting the patients’ needs before their own. I have seen this team take on teaching new students and new hire APP’s as well as educating the bedside RN/RT staff members.”
“Despite how grim the critical care APP’s job can be they remain upbeat and positive with the staff members and stay compassionate with patients/family members in difficult situations. These APPs are working at the top of their license…This is a stellar group, and any patient would be lucky to have any one of these APP’s providing their care.”
