Doctors Hospital is proud to announce its recipients of the prestigious HCA Healthcare Awards of Distinction. The HCA Healthcare Awards of Distinction—which include the Frist Humanitarian Awards, the Innovators Award and the Excellence in Nursing Awards—are the highest honors HCA Healthcare bestows on employees, physicians and volunteers. As part of HCA Healthcare, Doctors Hospital, is proud to recognize the extraordinary work and dedication of these colleagues. 

Doctors Hospital’s recipients of the HCA Healthcare Awards of Distinction are:

• Erik Stuckart, Director of Infection Prevention: Doctors Hospital Frist Humanitarian Award, employee recipient for facility and division levels.
• Dr. Zaheed Hassan, President of the Joseph M. Still Burn Center at Doctors Hospital, and Chief Global Officer of Burn Reconstructive Centers of America: Doctors Hospital Frist Humanitarian Award, physician recipient for facility and division levels.
• April Weathers, MSN, RN, IBCLC, C-EFM, International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant: Doctors Hospital, Excellence in Nursing Award, Compassionate Care recipient for facility level.

“We are driven by a single mission: Above all else, we are committed to the care and improvement of human life. This mission drives our dedication to delivering exceptional, patient-focused care and our commitment to recognizing the people who help us do this every day,” said Joanna Conley, FACHE, Chief Executive Officer of Doctors Hospital. “We are pleased to honor Erik Stuckart, Dr. Zaheed Hassan and April Weathers, with the HCA Healthcare Awards of Distinction for their efforts in serving our patients and our community. Their exemplary work and compassion set a high standard for healthcare professionals all over the nation." 

Erik Stuckart is the Director of Infection Prevention and has been employed at Doctors Hospital for 14 years. Erik goes above and beyond to demonstrate concern for our patients, visitors, staff and community. Erik not only serves our community through his role at Doctors Hospital, but also demonstrates a high level of commitment through many volunteer efforts. He has been heavily involved in Columbia County Leadership programs to include Youth and Adult Leadership classes. He has also volunteered with the American Heart Association, SafeHomes of Augusta Fake It to Make It and the United Way Project Serve program.

Erik and his family are actively involved in their church where he is a Sunday school leader and volunteers in the nursery. Erik is also a strong supporter of his son’s school band boosters at Lakeside High School.

Dr. Zaheed Hassan serves as the President of Joseph M. Still Burn Centers, Inc. and Chief Global Officer of Burn and Reconstructive Centers of America. Dr. Hassan has been on the medical staff at Doctors Hospital for 23 years and has impacted thousands of lives through his commitment to exceptional patient care.   

Dr. Hassan advocates for his patients and will often care for indigent patients, including those requiring transfer from other counties. He sends needed medical equipment and supplies to third world countries and works to create skin banks and donor programs outside of the United States. He supports local organizations including Augusta Preparatory Day School and the Ronald McDonald House. He has also supported schools and healthcare programs in his native country of Bangladesh. 

April Weathers is an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant has been employed at Doctors Hospital for 15 years. April is a remarkable representation of our mission through her continuous commitment to improving the care and improvement of human life. April has a true passion for our tiniest patients by providing education and support to mothers who choose to breastfeed so that they can provide their babies with the very best nutrition. April is also a member of the Georgia Breastfeeding Coalition, an organization committed to Georgia families by promoting and supporting breastfeeding. April was instrumental in achieving our Baby-friendly re-designation. Doctors Hospital is the only hospital that holds this status in the Augusta area. She was also a huge advocate to bring breastfeeding education back to in-person classes post pandemic. 

Congratulations to all the 2023 winners. The division-level winners are entered into the judging for the enterprise-level awards, which will be announced during a special ceremony at HCA Healthcare’s headquarters in Nashville, Tennessee on October 10, 2023.

Photo Caption L-R: Irene Williford, Chief Nursing Officer, April Weathers, International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant at Doctors Hospital, Erik Stuckart, Director of Infection Prevention, Dr. Zaheed Hassan, President of the Joseph M. Still Burn Center at Doctors Hospital, Inc., and Chief Global Officer of Burn Reconstructive Centers of America, Joanna Conley, Chief Executive Officer.