This award is presented to a person who has taken initiative above and beyond to help improve patient care in the ASC setting. 

2025 Winner: Kirsten Burden, BSN, RN, CNOR

Texas Health Spine Surgery Center Rockwall

Kirsten works on projects every quarter of the year. Below are examples of projects that have truly benefited our patients.
• Advocates for patient needs: Kirsten gathered the numbers for average wait times that patients spend in
the ASC prior to their procedures. Kirsten noticed that this time was excessive and implemented a change to
reduce the wait time for patients. Now the wait time for the patient should decrease and improve our patient
satisfaction and needs.
• Improving patient safety: Kirsten followed operating room staff around for several weeks to gather data. This
data included facility laundered scrubs, proper surgical masks, etc. The goal was to ensure that we are wearing
proper attire and following sterile guidelines to avoid infection risks. This improves patient safety and surgical
outcomes.

Kirsten is willing to jump out of her position as clinical coordinator and into the role of pre-op nurse, pacu
nurse, operating room nurse, or whatever else is needed. Below is
a personal experience from a fellow nurse at the ASC.
“We had a patient who communicated using ASL. Kirsten jumped right in to get an interpreter. Kirsten stayed at
bedside with the patient through the pre-op evaluation to ensure the patient understood the entire process.” -Courtney K

 Past Winners:

2024        Cheryl Garmon, DNP, RN, CASC
2023        Richard Bays, JD
2022        Amy Jones, PhD
2021        Teressa Dyson, CRNA
2020        Dianne Buffington, BSN, RN, CNOR
2019        Ruth Maxwell, MPH, CASC & Dee Pete- Jones, RN, BSN, MBA
2018        Patrick Rehm

This award is presented to a vendor who has made positive changes in the ASC industry. 

2025 Winner:  Nixon Medical - 2 years in a row!

Nixon has a  strong dedication to outstanding service, collaboration, and innovation in the ambulatory surgery center (ASC) sector. As a reliable healthcare laundry service provider, Nixon Medical does more than just supply clean linens and scrubs; it offers reassurance. The company is committed to helping ASCs run smoothly and uphold the highest levels of cleanliness and patient care through dependable, hygienic textile solutions designed specifically for outpatient settings.

What distinguishes Nixon Medical is its quick response, tailored service, and deep understanding of the specific needs of surgery centers, making it more than just a supplier—it’s a genuine partner. Their focus on ongoing improvement, compliance, and infection control aids ASCs in adhering to regulatory requirements while prioritizing what truly matters: patient outcomes. 

Past Winners:

2024        Nixon Medical
2023        Nathaniel Mickish with OnHand
2022        Tina Chan with Medline
2021        Cheryl Smith with McKesson
2020        Shannon Mitchell with SIS 
2019        Elena Savage with Medline
2018        HST Pathways

This award is presented to an individual that works in an ASC and has shown significant growth in the ASC industry. 

2025 Winner: Kenneth Waters, MHA

Memorial Hermann Surgery Center Kirby Glen

Kent is the new administrator at our ASC this year. He came to us new to USPI and from a primarily hospital background. Kent hit the ground running from day one, managing to navigate the additional challenge of having a Regional Director who was also new to USPI and the region. He has been a champion of quality care while pushing a strong vision of growth. He and his team have successfully recruited new surgeons and managed to increase our efficiency. Kent is a strong believer in collaboration. I enjoy working with Kent and look forward to what the future holds.

Past Winners:
2024       Eliza Alberto, RN
2023       Courtney Dunkin, BSN, RN
2022       Katie Pierson, DNP, RN, ONC
2021       Kayla Schneeweiss-Keene, RN, BSN 
2020       Pat O'Leary
2019       Adam Hornback, RN
2018       James McClung, BSN

This award is presented to a facility that has taken strides to create new and innovative programs within their facility. 

2025 Winner: TBA Soon!!

Past Winners:

2024       Amera Solutions
2023       Dallas Endoscopy Center, Susan Cheek
2022       Mann Eye Institute
2021       North Texas Team Care
2020       Memorial Hermann Memorial Village Surgery Center
2019       Kelsey-Seybold ASC