2023 APC Excellence Awards
Congratulations to Kathleen Ewanowski, MPAS, PA-C; Jennifer Leseman, PA-C; and Jennifer Meszaros, PA-C, for receiving the 2023 APC Excellence Awards. The awards are given annually to outstanding advanced practice clinicians (APCs) who have significantly contributed to the Department of Surgery, their division, their teams, and their community. Recipients are selected based on nominations submitted by members of the department.
Kathleen Ewanowski, MPAS, PA-C, is the co-lead APC in the Division of General Surgery’s burn area. She has served as an APC for burn for six years, working with patients throughout each step of their treatment – from their admission to the ICU through their hospital discharge and entrance into the burn survivor community reintegration programming. Since 2022, she has coordinated the onboarding and education of new burn APCs, helping the team grow from four to 10 APCs. In addition, she is working with members of the American Burn Association to create a standardized curriculum for burn APC orientation, as well as a formal burn APC certification program.
“This award acknowledges the vital role I play on our team and reinforces that my efforts are not only recognized but celebrated, underscoring their critical nature in enhancing the overall quality of the care we provide. I'm grateful for this award and for the opportunity to be on this team,” Ewanowski said.
Jennifer Leseman, PA-C, works in the Division of General Surgery’s Trauma & Acute Care Surgery section. Leseman brings 12 years of experience to her role, supporting her team in treating a high-volume of patients with a variety of needs within the trauma and general surgery fields. In addition, in the past year, she created and initiated an APC education curriculum comprised of monthly high-fidelity mannequin medical simulations and skills sessions. The curriculum is aimed at helping APCs perform more perform more effectively and efficiently as providers.
Leseman primarily treats patients in an inpatient setting, but also serves a few hours each week in the outpatient surgery setting. Her unit also handles the most critical patients in the Mountain West region.
“On my team, we are always challenged on the job and have an opportunity to learn something new every day. I am honored to receive the APC Excellence Award and serve alongside a stellar group of attendings and fellow APCs,” Leseman said.
Jennifer Meszaros, PA-C, has been an APC with the Division of Plastic Surgery & Reconstructive Surgery on the pediatric craniofacial team for almost two years. She primarily works in outpatient clinics, assisting surgeons with daily patient visits. Her work helps support the division’s efforts to serve patient needs in all facets of craniofacial and pediatric plastic surgery.
Meszaros expressed pride in receiving the APC Excellence Award, noting that it underscores the importance of providing patients with quality care throughout their time in the hospital. Most craniofacial patients require multiple surgeries, making the consistent presence of APCs and other medical providers a vital part of treatment.
Meszaros said, “I strive to provide quality care to patients and their families in my practice. It is important to me to provide families with the continuity of care they deserve throughout their time with me. This award is an honor, and I'm excited to continue to provide patients with the best care possible.”
