Advanced Practice Provider of the Year Award
This honor is awarded to the advanced practice provider who consistently achieves high standards in the practice of medicine and is looked upon as a road map for his or her peers.
John Patrick “JP” Morgan, P.A.-C.
Heart Institute
Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital
As a member of the electrophysiology (EP) team, John Patrick “JP” Morgan uses his expertise in coordinating and managing clinic visits, first-assisting in EP studies and device implantations, and interpreting advanced noninvasive studies. He works closely with the cardiology clinic, EP team, pacemaker representatives and others to ensure coordinated care, and answers calls at night, on weekends and even when he’s on vacation.
He is highly proficient in loop recorder, pacemaker and defibrillator programming and interrogations. JP has trialed different software and workflows to refine and streamline the process for the required ongoing interrogation of such devices. This work has helped expedite diagnosis of arrhythmias or device malfunctions and improved the care of patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices.
To many patients and families, JP is the face and voice of the EP team. He is the first provider they meet in the clinic, the first they see on the day of a procedure and the voice on the phone discussing test results or next steps in care. He takes whatever time is needed with the families to address their questions and help them better understand their child’s diagnosis. This commitment is reflected in the outstanding patient experience ratings and comments that he receives.
JP is an integral part of the pediatric cardiology fellows’ education and a mentor to APPs on the cardiology team. He serves on Heart Institute and hospital wide committees with a focus on ensuring outstanding patient care. JP models the mission and values of Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital every day through his dedication and commitment to patients and colleagues.
John Verchot Jr., P.A.-C.
Division of Cardiology
Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center
John Verchot has been a valued member of the Division of Cardiology for more than 20 years. He is an excellent clinical partner in both the inpatient and outpatient settings, and easily advances cardiac care for his patients between visits. He stays up to date on the latest literature and guidelines, often sharing his expertise with students, residents and fellows.
John has the ability to connect with his patients on a personal level, enabling him to customize a treatment plan that will have the best possible outcomes. He has earned the trust and respect of his patients, many of whom request to only be seen by John.
“John is the shining example of making our culture positive, diverse and inclusive,” stated his nominator. “He is an exceptional communicator and consultant, and approaches care teams with a warm, jovial nature and clinical acumen. He is one of Johns Hopkins’ greatest assets.”
Raina Crawford, C.R.N.P.
Nurse Practitioner, Internal Medicine
Johns Hopkins Community Physicians
Raina Crawford is a leader, educator and amazing health care provider. She is excellent in implementing best practice standards while providing patient-centered care in every encounter, going above and beyond for all her patients. Crawford has been praised by her chief for how she handles the continuity, complexity, acuity and telehealth components of primary care. Her personable approach to treating patients allows them to access primary care in a safe, supportive and affirming setting.
In addition to her clinical practice, Crawford has precepted many nurse practitioner students over the years, helping to launch the first nurse practitioner residency fellowship at Johns Hopkins Community Physicians (JHCP), and the Supporting Nursing Advanced Practice Transition (SNAPT) program, a joint partnership through JHCP and the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing.
Crawford has also mentored newly graduated advanced practice providers through another training model, JHCP's Transition to Practice program. She continues to teach at the school of nursing as part of the clinical faculty in the Doctor of Nursing Practice program and guest lectures in master's level courses. She has also served on her practice's Comprehensive Unit-based Safety Program (CUSP) team and was recently awarded a grant from the Johns Hopkins Medicine Office of Well-Being. Her colleagues see her as a role model and feel "lucky to have her as a colleague, mentor and friend."
Michelle Churchill, C.R.N.P.
Clinical Program Director, Palliative Medicine
The Johns Hopkins Hospital
Michelle Churchill is an instrumental leader in palliative medicine, and is dedicated to ensuring that her patients receive the most compassionate and dignified care. She has a positive impact on thousands of patients a year through her work developing protocols and guidelines that are in use across The Johns Hopkins Hospital.
For example, Michelle developed an ICU order set and ventilatory support withdrawal guidelines to ensure ICU patients experience dignified end-of-life transitions. She also implemented an emergency department palliative trigger in Epic, leading to more than 400 palliative-eligible patients receiving early consultations each year. She redesigned the palliative medicine consult triage and workflow to optimize care, and worked to embed palliative advanced practice providers in specialized clinics to provide valuable support to vulnerable populations.
As the lead palliative nurse practitioner, Michelle is also a mentor and advocate for advanced practice providers throughout the hospital.
“Michelle’s leadership approach fosters autonomy,” says Kristen Tweedy, a nurse practitioner on her team. “She treats us as individuals and encourages us to work toward our strengths, all while offering frequent check-ins and positive reinforcement.”
Jessica Williams, N.P.-C., R.N., M.S.N.
Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center
Jessica Williams is a dedicated patient advocate and respected cardiology provider, whose unwavering conscientiousness, kindness, intelligence and empathy set her apart. A fount of clinical acumen, she ensures that every patient receives a meticulously tailored care plan and tirelessly advocates for the highest standards of care.
“When our doctors round with Jessica, they place immense trust in her clinical decisions,” says a colleague. “There is always near consensus on her treatment plan.”
Jessica is fluent in Spanish and a staunch supporter of her Hispanic community. She regularly participates in and facilitates preceptor and mentorship opportunities, outpatient care and community health events. Her unwavering dedication, impeccable attention to detail and creative thinking have earned her the respect and admiration of professional, clinical and nonclinical staff members alike.
Kristen Koller, C.R.N.P.
Advanced Gastroenterology Nurse Practitioner
Sibley Memorial Hospital
Kristen Koller is a leader within the gastroenterology and hepatology division at Sibley Memorial Hospital. As a nurse practitioner, she excels in both inpatient and outpatient services, using a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to treat patients with a range of medical issues. Kristen is an advocate for advanced practice providers (APP) and has served as the chair of Sibley's APP council. Kristen is a member of the Sibley Credentialing Committee, and partners with medical staff to ensure completion of professional practice evaluation for all nurse practitioners with privileges at Sibley.
Kristen consistently seeks opportunities to partner with colleagues and improve department operations. She is also a champion of safety, and helped teach high reliability skills to the medical staff. She is a leader among her peers and a critical member of the gastroenterology and hepatology team.
Steven E. Cohen, M.P.A./H.C.A., P.A.-C.
Physician Assistant, Neurosurgery/Trauma
Suburban Hospital
Steven Cohen joined Suburban Hospital in 1998 to establish the hospital’s neurosurgery physician assistant program. He remains a key member of the team, providing coverage for neurosurgery front-line calls and handling patient care-related matters. “Steve has been extremely professional, works super-hard and is always willing to fill in any coverage gaps,” a colleague says.
The presence of the neurosurgery PA team is critical for providing excellent care to neurosurgery patients and maintaining Suburban’s trauma center status. As president of the Maryland Academy of Physician Assistants, Steve is instrumental in the Suburban team’s continuing efforts to implement the latest physician assistant treatment standards and guidelines.
