The Passavant Hospital Foundation celebrated its Ninth Annual Legacy of Caring Gala on Thursday, September 19, 2024, at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Pittsburgh – Cranberry. The gala honored the Foundation’s 2024 Legacy of Caring Awardees, individuals who have meaningfully impacted UPMC Passavant by caring for patients, families, physicians, employees, and the broader community. This year, two distinguished anesthesiology clinicians from UPMC Passavant were recognized for their exceptional service: James V. Kunkel, MD, Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and Megan Tomaino, MPAS, PA-C, Senior Physician Assistant in the post-anesthesia care unit at UPMC Passavant's McCandless campus.
Dr. James V. Kunkel: A Legacy of Dedication and Compassion
Dr. Kunkel has served UPMC Passavant for nearly four decades, a career “not only marked by years, but by the countless lives he has touched, improved, and sometimes even saved.” He was nominated for his unwavering dedication, exceptional patient care, and profound community impact. Dr. Kunkel’s career is distinguished not only by his medical excellence and leadership, but also by his deep commitment to the well-being of his patients and the community he serves.
Throughout his tenure, Dr. Kunkel has embodied UPMC Passavant's values of integrity, professionalism, and empathy, becoming a role model for colleagues and a trusted caregiver for countless patients. He is also a strong advocate for community health initiatives, supporting the Passavant Hospital Foundation and the University of Pittsburgh's efforts to advance education, research, and community wellness. His contributions reflect a commitment to fostering overall health and well-being beyond his clinical duties.
Megan Tomaino: Championing Community Health Education
Megan Tomaino was recognized for her leadership and collaboration with the Passavant Hospital Foundation and the UPMC Minutes Matter Campaign to develop the Community Injury Prevention & Emergency Preparedness Program. This program educates community members on critical emergency response skills, such as CPR, AED use, Stop the Bleed, stroke and seizure awareness, Narcan and EpiPen use, and mental health crisis intervention. Under Megan’s guidance, medical professionals volunteer their time to teach these essential skills at UPMC Passavant and various community events.
Megan's dedication has significantly expanded the program’s reach, with 20 events held this year alone, totaling over 50 hours of education and 1,300 attendees. Her efforts have been recognized in Northern Connection magazine, where she has been featured as a "Mover & Shaker of the Month" and highlighted for her Advanced Practice Provider Academy work and Stop the Bleed grant. Her commitment to community education and health has inspired many others to volunteer their time, creating a lasting impact on the community's safety and well-being.
A Continuing Commitment to Excellence
Congratulations to Dr. Kunkel and Megan Tomaino for this recognition of their contributions and commitment to UPMC Passavant's mission of advancing health and wellness through education, outreach, and innovation. Their work exemplifies the spirit of the Legacy of Caring Awards and continues to inspire colleagues, patients, and the community.
Anyone interested in volunteering for our Community Injury Prevention & Emergency Preparedness Program, please contact Megan Tomaino or Nicole Kaib.