About UI Health

Of the Year Award Recipients Congratulations to Our Winners!

Congratulations to Our Winners!

It is with great pleasure that UI Health recognizes the people who have been selected as the 2023 Physician, Resident/Fellow, Advanced Practice Provider, and Employee of the Year.

2023 UI Health Award Winners

UI Health annual award winners put patients first in all encounters; consistently contribute to the delivery of world-class care; are great inspirations to their colleagues; and personify our core values of Inclusion, Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence.

Physician of the Year 

Ron Gaba, MD, MS
Interventional Radiology

Dr. Ron Gaba is compassionate and fosters open and honest relationships with patients, families, and staff. Dr. Gaba has worked at UIC/UI Health for over a decade, serving in multiple roles. As a well-respected and accomplished technician, he provides a team approach to patient care, whom colleagues turn to for advice and guidance.

During this past year, Dr. Gaba demonstrated particulate dedication and leadership in shepherding the Division of Interventional Radiology through a year of tremendous clinical growth while short-staffed. His commitment to patient care is unwavering, spending long hours on challenging cases and staying late to accommodate patients’ schedules. He assists with follow-up needs and referrals, advocates for patients with insurance struggles, and always provides clear explanations while counseling patients to ensure comprehension.

He is tireless in writing letters of recommendation for medical students applying to residency, staff for promotion, and colleagues advancing on the promotion and tenure tracks. He is a role model, and his selfless dedication to patient care is always on display for our medical students and residents to see. 

Advanced Practice Provider of the Year

Benoy George, DNP, APRN, PMHNP, LCPC
Health Social Work/Psychiatry

Dr. Benoy George is a group therapist in the UI Health Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) and sees individual patients for psychiatric medication management. He is extremely helpful, advocates for his patients, and always offers assistance to his colleagues.

Dr. George is respectful of his patients and includes them in all their treatment options. He has sharp therapeutic skills and can manage complex group dynamics. His compassionate, warm, and kind-hearted demeanor quickly gains the trust and respect of his patients. His relentless commitment to serve a misunderstood group of patients is exemplified in his day-to-day interactions.

Even while encountering heartbreaking stories and scenarios with patients, Dr. George maintains a sense of optimism in his work. He lightens up the room and brings positive energy to the team which helps strengthen team morale.

Resident of the Year

Lena Carleton, MD
Internal Medicine/Emergency Medicine Program 

In the Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU), Dr. Lena Carleton clearly stands out. She is well-read, provides leadership during critical situations, and responds first to any cardiac arrests, directing resuscitation efforts with command and precision.

Dr. Carleton’s philanthropic contributions positively impact the local community through her service at the College of Medicine’s student-run clinic located on the West Side of Chicago. This clinic has served the needs of underserved Chicagoans since 1993 and is the largest volunteer-based free medical facility in the United States.

Her attention to patient care is exceptional and consistent. As a detail-oriented and practical clinician, she is dependable and follows up on all tasks. Her strong sense of social justice always guides her.

Dr. Carleton is curious, a lifelong learner, and a natural leader. She has a positive attitude and a big heart.

Employee of the Year

Ramona Rosa
Health Information Administrator, Health Information Management

Ramona embodies true professionalism while performing her responsibilities of ensuring accurate and complete provider documentation and notes. She is respectful, reliable, keeps patient care at the focus of her responses, and takes pride in her work.

Ramona brings a positive attitude and a personal touch — she is a genuine people person who maintains relationships with staff and physicians.

Ramona has the natural ability to express complicated and technical information clearly and concisely. She is instrumental in helping to develop a set of policies in the hospital and outpatient facilities that improve the quality of care for patients.