Paying tribute to unsung heroes.

• Author: Stewart, Heather Dawn
• Position: From the Editor

Long-time readers of Utah Business are familiar with our recognition programs. We honor various people just about every month: rising executives and entrepreneurs, excellent sales and marketing executives, women who are making waves in the business world, and many others. But none of these beat our annual Healthcare Heroes for sheer inspirational value.

We are, every one of us, impacted by healthcare professionals. No matter our title, economic situation, age, favorite college team, high school grades, waist circumference or skills on the dance floor, at some point we will find ourselves vulnerable, in a paper gown on an exam table.

I will never forget the nurse who sat quietly by my side in the worst hour of the worst day of my life. She simply sat next to me while I cried. And when my toddler fractured his leg jumping off of a ledge, I was abashed when every healthcare worker, from his pediatrician to the radiologist to the tech who applied the cast, intently quizzed me about how the accident happened. I felt their scrutiny deeply--but I knew they were trying to protect my son and I was grateful for it. I will also be forever grateful to the hospice workers who eased my mother's pain--and our family's anxiety--as she slipped away from us.

We all have these stories, so it is a great honor to be able to shine the spotlight on these heroes each year. Their stories are truly inspirational, from dedicated volunteers who comfort those who are grieving to physicians who are...