Memory Center Receives National Healthcare Award from Health Industry Leaders

Healthcare Leadership Council Honors Center for Comprehensive Care and Research on Memory Disorders with the Redefining American Healthcare Award

CHICAGO – The Healthcare Leadership Council honored the Center for Comprehensive Care and Research on Memory Disorders at the University of Chicago Medicine with the Redefining American Healthcare Award in a virtual ceremony on Thursday, February 3.

The Memory Center is staffed by a committed team of highly trained neurologists, geriatricians, psychiatrists, neuropsychologists, social workers, and specialized nurses to ensure seamless, thorough care for dementia and memory loss patients. Evaluations are tailored to each patient, and the Center provides ongoing support and care throughout the course of the disease.

Dr. James Mastrianni, Director, and Tessa Garcia McEwen, LCSW, CDP, clinical social worker for The Memory Center at UChicago Medicine, accepted the award, saying, “We are honored to receive this recognition, as it reinforces our efforts to raise awareness and provide individualized and specialized care to the most vulnerable and marginalized populations, including those with the greatest barriers to healthcare, the younger-onset Alzheimer’s Disease population, and those with rare neurological conditions.”

“As a carepartner spouse to my husband diagnosed with younger-onset Alzheimer’s, it was my honor to share remarks about the exceptional care my family is receiving with Dr. Mastrianni and his care team at UChicago Medicine, and also shed light on Lorenzo’s House a nonprofit startup designed to power families living with younger-onset Alzheimer’s,” stated Diana Cose, founder of Lorenzo’s House, who provided a testimonial during the ceremony.

“The Center providing a multidisciplinary team to deliver an in-depth diagnosis and continuity of care is an excellent example of the coordination and cohesion that is needed in the healthcare industry as a whole,” said Debbie Witchey, executive vice president and chief operating officer of the Healthcare Leadership Council. “This team has done a wonderful job of recognizing the unique needs of its patient population and addressing the bigger picture, which includes their home lives and caregivers.” 

“Disparities in healthcare and long-term care are an ongoing challenge. The Memory Center’s team of providers is serving a vulnerable group of people and providing the high-quality care they require,” said Congresswoman Robin Kelly. “The Memory Center team has ensured that their patients have access to highly trained specialists, receive thorough evaluations, and are provided a comprehensive management plan. They are so deserving of the Redefining American Healthcare award.”

The Healthcare Leadership Council created the Redefining American Healthcare Award to recognize best practices and programs in communities and organizations across the nation that optimize care for vulnerable patients. Award recipients are organizations developing and activating cost-effective, measurable community programs promoting a patient-centered approach to care that considers outside social factors to achieve the best outcomes.

A video of the virtual presentation of the award can be found here.

For Immediate Release
February 09, 2022
Contact: Kelly Fernandez  202-449-3452