Union Health proudly celebrated the Bhuptani Excellence in Service and Bhuptani Excellence in Nursing Awards on Wednesday, May 14 in the lower-level atrium of Union Hospital. This annual ceremony recognized the outstanding dedication and service of health care professionals within our communities.

This year's event honored two remarkable winners: Joyce Vines recipient of the Bhuptani Excellence in Nursing Award, and Aimee Cottrell recipient of the Bhuptani Excellence in Service Award. Each winner received a grant of $2,500 from the Bhuptani Family Fund, aimed at supporting their continued pursuit of excellence in their respective fields.

The Bhuptani Excellence in Nursing Award celebrates nurses who demonstrate exceptional dedication to service, compassion and commitment within Union Health. With nearly 37 years of service at Union Hospital—35 of those in critical care—Joyce Vines has consistently gone above and beyond for her patients, their families and her colleagues.

Known for her calm presence, clinical expertise and remarkable mentorship, Joyce is a trusted resource for both nurses and physicians. Her lifelong commitment to nursing and the impact she’s made on so many lives make her a truly deserving recipient of this honor.

The Bhuptani Excellence in Service Award celebrates individuals who consistently demonstrate outstanding dedication, professionalism and a commitment to exceptional service. Aimee Cottrell exemplifies these qualities through her compassionate and selfless approach to patient care.

Aimee goes above and beyond her duties, builds strong connections through thoughtful gestures and ongoing support, creating a warm, trusting environment for those she serves. Her unwavering commitment has made a lasting impact on her patients and colleagues, making her a truly deserving recipient of this award.

"We are honored to celebrate the remarkable contributions of this year's award winners," said Dr. Anand D. Bhuptani. "Their unwavering dedication to patient care and service embodies the values of compassion and community that resonate deeply with our mission. These awards highlight the enduring spirit of excellence at Union Health, emphasizing the profound impact that caring can have on lives and communities."

Dr. Trupti A. Bhuptani echoed her husband’s sentiments, stating, "It is incredibly inspiring to see the passionate commitment of our health care professionals. Each award recipient embodies the spirit of dedication and service that reflects our shared values. We are honored to celebrate their achievements, as they truly represent the heart and soul of our health care community."

Becky Miller, President of the Union Health Foundation, expressed her appreciation about the gift made possible by the Bhuptani’s, stating, "These awards are not just about honoring individuals; they reflect a culture of compassion, teamwork, and excellence at Union Health. I invite everyone to join us in celebrating our winners and the incredible work being done every day to improve patient outcomes in our community."

Jack Hill, COO of Union Health System, expressed gratitude to the donors, stating, "The leadership team of Union Health extends our heartfelt thanks to our generous donors, Dr. Anand Bhuptani and Dr. Trupti Bhuptani, for establishing these awards to recognize service and nursing excellence across our system. The Bhuptani Awards not only highlight the vital role that health care professionals play in improving the health and well-being of those throughout the communities we serve, but the awards also provide a unique opportunity for us to pause and express appreciation of our co-workers in a most meaningful and personal way. We are always proud to recognize those who go above and beyond for our patients while delivering compassionate care of the highest quality, and we are thankful the Bhuptani’s caring spirit will be carried forward as we recognize our team in this special way.”

Members of the community, staff, and other stakeholders attended the celebration as Union Health honored these prestigious award winners and their unwavering commitment to excellence in health care.

For more information about the Bhuptani Excellence Awards, please contact Union Health Foundation at 812-238-7534 or foundation@union.health.