April 17, 2013
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio State University’s Stress, Trauma and Resilience (STAR) Program is honoring Dr. Andrew Thomas and Dr. Lee Szykowny for their outstanding contributions to the STAR Program and the trauma field.
The STAR Program, an initiative of The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and OSU Harding Behavioral Health, improves lives by developing and delivering trauma-informed clinical services and educational programs to help those suffering the ravages of trauma and related mental illness. Centered on the Medical Center’s values of compassion and empathy, the program also contributes new knowledge on stress and resilience gained through cutting-edge research.
Dr. Thomas serves as the medical director for Ohio State’s University Hospital and is an associate professor of clinical internal medicine at The Ohio State University College of Medicine. He collaborates with medical staff, nursing and administrative leaders to enhance the quality and safety of patient care and the level of customer service within University Hospital and to provide solutions for medical staff issues.
“Andy Thomas is one of the outstanding physician leaders at Ohio State’s Wexner Medical Center. He is an invaluable advocate for the STAR Program and for the need for greater integration of mental and physical health services,” said Dr. John Campo, chair of The Ohio State University College of Medicine’s Department of Psychiatry. “The strategic leadership he offers the program stems from his passionate concern for the emotional health of patients, families and staff.“
Dr. Szykowny joined the OSU Harding Hospital Board in 2004 and the STAR Leadership Development Board in 2010, She enthusiastically embraced both the mission and philosophy of the STAR Program and has had a significant impact on its strategic direction. Dr. Szykowny’s continuing support and leadership has helped the STAR Program positively impact both patient care and staff satisfaction at OSU Harding Hospital and across Ohio State’s Wexner Medical Center.
“Dr. Lee Szykowny is a tireless mental health champion who serves on both the OSU Harding Hospital Board and on the STAR Leadership Development Board. Her commitment to the provision of holistic and trauma-informed care along with her passion for making that care accessible have been vital to the success of the STAR Program,” said Amanda Lucas, executive director of OSU Harding Hospital.
The awards will be presented by Dr. Steven Gabbe, CEO of Ohio State’s Wexner Medical Center, on Thursday, April 25 at a special dinner for major donors to “An Unforgettable Evening with Natalie Cole” that will benefit the Wexner Center for the Arts and the STAR Program. Tickets for the event are available at http://wexarts.org/tickets.
Contact: Alexis Shaw, Wexner Medical Center Public Affairs and Media Relations, 614-293-3737 or Alexis.Shaw2@osumc.edu